Teach Yourself Oracles8 Database Development in 21 Days (Sams Teach Yourself)

"Teach Yourself Oracle8 Database Development in 21 Days" is not a perfect book, but is probably the best general book for beginners. As noted by other reviewers, the book is best used with a working installation of the Oracle 8 database -- something not supplied with the book. The book will give you a good, general understanding of database design, SQL, PL/SQL, Oracle Reports, Forms, and Queries, Graphics, and some basic database administration. While not as in depth as more advanced, more narrowly focused books, this book answered questions (e.g. how to convert Forms and Reports from development to Runtime versions) that I didn't see answered anywhere else. Overall, a must have for the novice Oracle user and a good reference for intermediate users, as well.

First, I should state that I have NOT read this book cover-to-cover. I've used it more as a reference. But if you are new to Oracle and Databases of this size, this is a great "just get me started" book. Books on Oracle tend to assume you already have a PhD in `Oracleese', this book does not. It gives you a good overview of all the Oracle products. Do not expect a lot of detail. Examples show you the very basics of `here's how to get a report started" or "here's a very basic pie chart" Which is great since Oracle's Design tools are not intuitive and can be frustrating and intimidating to the new user even if your familiar with other report or graphing tools. This book is great for you if you just want to get your feet wet, with out a lot of frustration, and then play on your own. I do recommend it for the new oracle developer.