Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 21 Days [With CDROM]

great book for a beginner. SAMS Teach Yourself SQL in 21 days, I am happy that I have bought this book. Best regards, Thomas Germany

This is a good book for beginners but also gets you on the path to more advanced SQL programming. However, beginners beware: I think I found a programming typo in nearly every chapter of the book. The most glaring to me was in Day 14 (p. 340) when a column named "NEW_TOTAL" was referenced in view LATE_PAYMENT (created from table BILLS). BILLS has an AMOUNT field but no NEW_TOTAL field. I have over 20 years programming experience and I had to disregard this entire example. I fear beginners will miss these types of mistakes. If this is one of the better books available (as stated by a previous reviewer), then I'm not sure what book to buy. No typos should exist in a book designed to teach programming.

I use(d) this book as the basis towards my WIN2K MCDBA...It is superior to anything out there including Microsoft's Official MCSE [Exam 70-228] SQL Server 2000 SA Training Kit... includes everything one needs assuming one immerses oneself in the book from Day 1 through Day 21 in addition to Day 22 (SQL Server Analysis Services (OLAP)) and Day 23 (English Query).It is both a superior reference book and programmer's guide. After purchasing Microsoft's official references I found myself repeatedly (frustrated by their shortcomings and referring back to this particular SAMS text). Enough cannot be said about this book. * Note: This (original) review is based on the Edition which included the CDROM. I have noticed that the latest edition(s) do have have the CDROM included (msde engine, etc.). This would knock my review to ****.

I've used (bought) through about 120 Database books. I've worked though about 30 SQL Books(over 8 years). This is the best introductory book on SQL available. The bad reviewers are ignorant of how to use that glowing box thing called a computer(they can't find the available class files...)The book is clear, explains the statements and gives specific examples. I work through database books for my job, and I can tell you 90 out of 100 are horrid, this is one of the less than 10% that is worth the time and money...

This book has provided me with a good background on using SQL. As a complete beginner I am pleased with the results and the clear syntax examples. After a few days I could create tables with my eyes closed and the explanations of the main types of SQL commands gave me a good grounding for further learning. For success with this book ignore the title and try not to push yourself to complete the book in 24hours - be patient and you will succeed! Good book but limited like all general SQL book by various SQL implementations on the market although tries to keep to ANSI-SQL standards! Good - definitely buy this book!