ISBN:0201596180Book Description
"A first class book. A thorough and well-written introduction to a complex subject. I wish this book had been available when I was learning SQL." -Ian Cargill, Database Consultant, Soliton Software Ltd
SQL was, is and always will be the database language for relational database systems such as Oracle, DB2, Sybase, Informix and Microsoft SQL Server. Introduction to SQL describes in depth the full capacity of SQL as it is implemented by the commercial databases, without neglecting the most recent changes to the standard, bringing the book up to date and fully compliant with SQL3. Unique in the extent of its coverage, this book takes you from the beginning to the end of SQL, the concepts to the practice, the apprentice to the master.
Learn how to: * Query data * Update data * Create tables and views * Specify primary and foreign keys * Use indexes * Secure your data * Develop stored procedures and triggers * Develop applications with embedded SQL and ODBC * Carry out transactions * Optimize statements * Deal with object-relational concepts such as subtables, references, sets and user-defined data types.
NEW section devoted to stored procedures and triggers NEW coverage of object-oriented concepts NEW information on application development with pre-programmed SQL NEW chapter on using SQL in combination with ODBC
The best way to learn a language is to work with it and the accompanying CD-Rom contains an SQL product called SOLID, chosen because it employs every aspect of SQL covered in the text. Experiment using the exercises in the book./p>
Reviews From AMAZON.COM
Clear, with numerous helpful examples
First, I should mention that I got this book in Dec. 2000 and had no trouble installing the disk on Windows98. Hopefully the problem pointed about by another reviewer has been resolved. Incidentally, I find the SOLID server very easy to set up and use, with a simple but friendly user interface. OK, now for the book. It is very clear and includes numerous detailed examples, along with step-by-step discussion as to why the syntax works the way it does. This is particularly helpful when grouping, subqueries, joins, etc., or combinations thereof are involved. Sometimes he'll solve a problem in more than one way, which is good to see. Occasionally, too, like a good teacher he will have a snare for the unwary and go on to say, "Wait, this isn't working the way intended," and use the pitfall as a way of bringing home a point. Another thing I like is the adaptation of Backus-Naur Form that he uses in specifying languages -- if you've never seen BNF before (which included me before reading this book), that may sound a little daunting. Actually, it makes correct usage really clear. One more thing to mention about this book is its excellent range of topics without bogging down on them. In addition to covering the core keywords "select", "from", "where", and so forth, he talks about imbedded SQL (which I rely on heavily when I use VB or work on web pages), stored procedures, and what ODBC is, to mention only a few extra topics. Finally, the translator should be commended for readable, fluent English.
WARNING !!!
The disk supplied with the book (contains the database to work the exercises) will not easily install on Windows NT. I have contacted the author (via e-mail) and the database manufacturer for more installation instructions but have not yet received any help. Without the information on the supplied disk the learning process is less than complete.