Product Description

Written with both beginner and intermediate database developers in mind, this clear, concise guide teaches readers about the relationships between the distribution of data in a database and the way in which queries of various types are processed. SQL (structured query language) is a complete data manipulation language for relational databases that allows users to modify database structure (tables, views, and indexes), as well as modify and retrieve data. The book teaches not only SQL syntax but also explains the proper structure of SQL queries and how a query affects the SQL processor and system performance.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1136674 in Books
• Published on: 1998-05-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

About the Author
By Jan l. Harrington

Customer Reviews

Excellent Intermediate SQL Book
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.

SQL Clearly Explained earns its title.
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.

The right book to get started in SQL programming
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.)