Teach Yourself Transact SQL in 21 Days

As a relatively new database administrator with no SQL experience, this book was EXACTLY what I needed. It is written in an easy-to-read and easily comprehended style. It takes me everywhere I need to go with confidence that the code I now write will perform the necessary functions...and perform them efficiently and effectively. Thank you, Sam!

I read it cover to cover, which I never do, especially for technical books. It started with the basics and finished with the fun stuff. It has greatly improved my productivity. I read the book in about 10 days.

If you are a neophyte and in need of help in T-Sql, this is the book for you.

I had a previous background on Oracle, and was about to head a C/S project based o MSSQL Server. Firt I tried "SQL Server 6.5 Programming - Unleashed" (I had SQL background, didn't I?). Ugh! I found T-SQL was far depart from Oracle (mainly PL/SQL). So I looked for something syntax oriented. "Teachyourself..." was the final answer to shed light on MSSQL implementation of SQL scripting (IMHO, the worst implementation I saw). Despite any weakness in T-SQL itself, the book is well organized and easy to follow (took 15 days, but you know, I was in a hurry). If you're comming from any other SQL dialect, stop by this book to get T-SQL insight.

Unlike other MS-SQLServer books that mix DB Adminstrative chores with client application programming, this is a very unique book that focuses specifically on Transact-SQL that every DB application programmer working with MS-SQLServer should know. Armed with this effective book, my colleaque was able to bring herself up to speed within a mere 5-day 3-hr-7-chapter-per-day coaching and tutorial sessions. The material and presentation style of this book is simply superb!