Product Description

Many database management system (DBMS) tools run on a variety of hardware platforms. The differences among the tools can be many, but all serious products have one thing in common: They support data access and manipulation in SQL, the industry–standard language specifically designed to enable people to create and manage databases. If you know SQL, you can build relational databases and get useful information out of them.

Relational database management systems are vital to many organizations. People often think that creating and maintaining these systems are extremely complex activities – the domain of database gurus who possess enlightenment beyond that of ordinary mortals. Well, SQL For Dummies, 5th Edition, sweeps away the database mystique.

Written in easy–to–understand terms and updated with the latest information on SQL, this handy reference shows you step–by–step how to make your database designs a reality using SQL:2003. But you don′t have to be a database newbie to find value in SQL For Dummies, 5th Edition; even if you have some experience designing and creating databases, you may discover a few things you didn′t know about.

Here′s just a sampling of some of the things you′ll find covered in SQL For Dummies, 5th Edition:

• Exploring relational database and SQL fundamentals
• Building and maintaining a simple database structure
• Building a multiple relational database
• Manipulating database data
• Examining SQL nuts and bolts: values, expressions, operators, and queries
• Providing database security and protecting your data
• Exploring ODBC and JDBC, and using SQL with XML
• Moving beyond the basics: cursors, persistent stored modules, and error–handling
• Top Ten lists on common SQL mistakes and retrieval tips

Plain and simply, databases are the best tools ever invented for keeping track of the things you care about. After you understand databases and can use SQL to make them do your bidding, you wield tremendous power. SQL For Dummies, 5th Edition, can get you well on your way to harnessing the power of databases.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #305175 in Books
• Published on: 2003-08-05
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 432 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
This is the rare case of a book that can take you from a beginner to an advanced-intermediate level. Like many of the books in IDG's Dummies series, this volume begins with a definition ("What is SQL?") and ends with "The Part of Tens," a collection of tips in a top 10 list form. Taylor writes in a breezy, entertaining style that SQL novices will find inviting. One caveat: the examples are given in Borland's Delphi, a rapid application development (RAD) tool. Some sections show several screen shots from Delphi and it may be difficult to follow along in these sections if you don't have the program in front of you. As with other Dummies books, SQL for Dummies is entertaining to read although the nonstop jokes may distract some readers from the technical content. --Jake Bond

From the Back Cover
Discover how SQL:2003 handles images, XML files, and more

Use SQL to build databases, keep them safe, and access their information

Relationships are everything, especially when it comes to databases – so if you work with them, form a relationship with this book. It helps you use SQL to build databases, protect them from corruption, store and retrieve what you need, handle nonrelational data, and even swap information with nondatabase applications using XML.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear–out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

About the Author
Allen G. Taylor is a database instructor who has written 20 computer books. He operates a Web development company and is much in demand as a speaker.

Customer Reviews

No use for beginners
A book dealing with a technically complex subject like SQL needs to have good code examples that the reader can repeat and play around with, followed by questions which embed the knowledge and ensure the reader is understanding the material. If you want an entirely theoretical overview of SQL this book might be useful but if you want to sit down and start using it work with databases then look somewhere else.

Good for Some...
A good introduction to SQL for people who have some programming experience, and need to know how to integrate their applications with a database, and for people who use MS Access, but want to work independently of the query design grid. The book is especially good for defining the common SQL and database terminology. It was nice to finally get a thorough explanation of the various types of joins, and the brief chapter on ODBC was pleasantly simple. SQL is not a very exciting subject, however, and a little more humor would have been helpful to ward off boredom. Some hands-on exercises for MS Access, VB or SQL Server would have been helpful.

SQL IN A FLASH - Best source of fast facts
Having only skimmed the surface of databses in the past I was faced this week with a rather large challenge; learn SQL in a week to give a discussion to 150 people!
On the face of it, it would seem that this was an impossible task for someone who had only dealt with HTML and XML before, but then Allen G Taylor came to my rescue!
SQL for dummies takes you through all the stages of databases from what are relational databases, tables, SQL commands, data retreival and security issues in SQL. This book is a true masterpiece and anyone wishing to get to grips with SQL should not hesitate to but this invaluable source of facts.
Allen gently guides you through all of the areas with hints, tips and reminders of commands and queries along the way.

I can honestly say that of all the books I have read relating to computer technology, none has come close to the simple practical advice of this book.

I look forward to Allen G Taylors next offering.