SQL for Dummies

SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL

SQL Bible

Sql

Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes, Third Edition

Format: Paperback
Author: Ben Forta
ReleaseDate: 07 April, 2004
Publisher: Sams
Rating:

The most helpful SQL book i've never seen
The title is more marketing oriented (i think nobody can learn SQL in just 10 min) but what it's really true is that you can "eat" each chapter in just 5 or 10 min. This is the kind of book you need to understand and learn the basic SQL syntax and queries in just a few days or weeks. (it depends how fast you read). The easy aproach of show you a few SQL lines samples. . . then the query's result. . . then the anaylis. . . it's what, IMO, makes this book one of the best. There is no *bs*, just facts and nice samples; straight to the point. I do this. . . i get this. . . i write this. . . i get this. No theory, just practice samples and results.

The drawback (and other readers think the same) it's that Ben did not show how to create the Sample Database needed to learn and practice all this stuff. There is one Appendix at the end of the book but he's almost saying "good luck" to all of us because you can find no "how to" or recipe to create the sample database he gave online. I had to make some tweaks on the MySQL script to work and a had similar problems (fewer really) creating the samples databases on an MS-SQL engine.

Price is a good point to be considered also. You will get every penny you spend back when you buy this book. Most SQL bestsellers books out there are above the $40's or $50's . . . this book should be yours, brand new not used, for just $10.

Horrible Reference Book
Quick look-up sections are non-existent. If you want a book that you can use as a reference, void this book like you would the plague. The explanations are so weak that they fail to answer the most basic of problems. If you are a the most basic beginner, read this book, then throw it out and get a real book as a reference. I am now looking for that book, because this is not it. .

A Clear and Simple Approach
Book has got enough information for a one semester introductory sql course. I am using this book for college students as a reference textbook. It has got simple approach with clear explanations. This makes book also be used for a self study sql course. If the target audience of the book is taken into account, the only miss is the amount of the exercises contained in the book.