SQL Clearly Explained

I am more of a user than an IT person, and I found this book very useful and easy to follow. The author has filled this book with examples of queries, and taken the time to discuss some of the more technical aspects of SQL such as data modification, database structure and indexes. So from basic data extraction tecnhiques to an overview of the inner-workings of SQL, this book is a success.

This is an excellent book on SQL. It begins with the basic syntax of SQL statements such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE and then covers more intermediate concepts such as joining, string manipulation, and date/time arithmetic. The most rewarding section was the two chapters on embedded and dynamic SQL. It's hard enough to find a good SQL book that covers embedded SQL at all, and this one explains it so well...from declaring cursors to allocating descriptors to fetching rows. This is a well-rounded, well-written text.

This is the right book for the total SQL newbie. After the intro chapter, the author wastes no time in diving into the difficult topic of data retrieval and spends three well-written chapters on this topic, explaining the operations in a clear and easily understood manner. One big example is used throughout the book, that of an "online" bookstore database. For a SQL (pronounced 'sequel') newbie like me, this book was perfect in its coverage and treatment. Again, the book's clarity is superb.Two flaws: 1) a number of typos and errors, esp. in the chapters on retrieval, which can confuse the reader; 2) intro to relational database is rather skimpy, IMHO.But it deserves a five-star rating. Very highly recommended. (I bought this book so I could embed SQL in ASP pages.)

I like this book - this is the first book on SQL that clearly explains not only the concepts of SQL and relational databases, but also gives a lot of examples. Perfect book not only for the beginners but also as a reference for advanced programmers. If you need to get understanding of SQL in one day, become SQL guru in a week, and get a good table reference - this book is for you.

This is one of the best SQL books I've read (and I've read many) because it explains the set theory concepts that underlie database design. After reading this book I have a much better appreciation for the SQL mechanism and I am much more creative with how I use it. This book is interesting to read, well presented and extremely useful. I recommend it for any SQL beginner, and for intermediate-level SQL users who would like a fresh angle on database design and function.