Oracle9i: SQL, with an Introduction to PL/SQL

I liked this book. Coming from SQL Server 2000 to the Oracle environment, I had a lot of questions. This book covered the subject material completely without over-coaching or being too simple. It was an excellent read and a book that I refer to often. Well written.

What are you thinking of SQL? Is it a difficult language? I thought the answer is "NO" until i bought this book. Or you may think whether it is a language? I also told you that it is really a language and is fourth generation language, which is English-like language and you use such languages just by telling it what you want to do, not necessary to specify any actions. That's OK!!! I think the author spent so much time to construct this book and revised it many many times. I saw there weren't many errata in this book and the construction is great. It is very easy to read and to learn just following the chapters one after another. It is also great for keeping it as a reference for your studies or on your jobs. It is comprehensive showing all the things in SQL statements and each function that any elements are included. It is clear to show all necessary or optional symbols for the use in retrieving data from database. I think if you have ever learnt SQL and you think to start learning SQL, you should buy this book for your first step starting to learn SQL.

I had almost given up hope that I would never learn SQL until I bought this book. It is the first non-study guide I have come across on Oracle SQL. It actually has exercises for you to do so you can see if you really understand what you are doing. Although the Bijou Thomas Study Guide is good, you really need a textbook. And this is it. I really understood joins for first time! Surprised more people don't know about this book. It is superb!