Oracle8 the Complete Reference [With CDROM]

This is an excellent book for learning SQL, SQL Functions, PL/SQL, ORACLE database structures like Procedures, Packages, Functions, Triggers, Tables, Synonyms, Views , Indexes and clusters . This book is highly recommended for ORACLE programmers (both:- who program in PL/SQL and ORACLE Dev2k) and starters. It explains SQL, SQL Functions ,PL/SQL , Procedures, Functions, Packages very exhaustively and also explains the database structures (which I mentioned in the first line) only to a limit required by an ORACLE programmer. The authors have done a stupendous job and the explanation offered never fails to enphasize the minute points which we tend to forget. Finally the recommendation:- If you are :-(1)An ORACLE programmer (starter as well as experienced) grab a copy of this book right now.(2)An ORACLE DBA , must for you as well but in conjuction with a book which covers ORACLE internals (the hardcore DBA concepts).(3)A jump starter , please find some other book as this one will make you a master but will take time too.(4)An OO programmer trying to evaluate new OO features in ORACLE 8 , its for you.(5)An OO programmer who is interested in just the OO features of ORACLE 8 then there might be some other books around as well.

I got into this book in depth when I was studying for test 1 of 4 for Oracle DBA Certification. That test, and this book, cover application level concepts, such as SQL, privleges, data dictionary stuff, PL/SQL, and the like. The explanations and examples are extremely good, very clear and easy to understand. They are well developed, coherent, easy to follow, and use good sample data. There is no way you won't have an in-depth understanding of Oracle from an application developers standpoint if you read this book. It was literally a joy to read after studying some of the sloppy certification guides that are out there. I'm very confident in my Oracle skills, with this book at my side.

This is very good book for the beginners I found this book very helpful.The language and examples are easily understood and it answers almost all of your questions on Oracle database.The reference material at the end is really useful but I wish there was more coverage on PL/SQL.

What's great about this book is that it answers your questions while they're still forming in your head! Before you can say "Well why is this..." it has your answer in the next line. The book also starts out in easy to understand language so you don't get scared away. I liked it!

1. Oracle online documentation is notoriously awkward. This book is no exception. But who cares? Forget the CD -- use the print. If you really want something to view on your computer, join the Oracle Developer Program. It's free, and many of the CD's have ALL the Oracle manuals in HTML format! Plus you get free trial software including the server software.2. This book is NOT suitable for learning the basics of SQL (such as how to do a join). Any basic "Learning SQL" book will teach that. What it IS suitable for is finding function syntax, format masks, as well as understanding more complex issues like how the SQL optimizer works and how to code accordingly. It's also not a very good PL/SQL reference. Check out the author Steven Feuerstein for his books on those subjects.Don't expect one book to do it all, but damn, this book comes pretty close. For in-depth server information, try the Oracle Server Concepts manual.