Product Description

Microsoft SQL Server 2000 will be a significant new revision of the fastest rising player in the RDBMS marketplace. Microsoft is actively encouraging a growing number of users onto the SQL platform, by making it cheaply available. The new release, SQL 2000, is tightly integrated with Windows 2000, offering more support for XML and much improved OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) services.

SQL Server is very strong in the market place, supporting both small and large Internet sites. Large users include Merryl Lynch, DELL Computer and HarperCollins Publishers. Commercial applications running on SQL Server range in size from small databases such as Sales Logix, to large ERP systems such as SAP, where it is now the SAP "preferred" database for NT based installations. SQL Server is now first choice for the developer wanting a powerful, reliable and sophisticated database.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #813893 in Books
• Published on: 2000-12-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 1390 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
When it comes to selecting computer books, deciding which book to buy can sometimes be even more confusing than the software it is written about. However, if you are looking for a book to instruct you on the use of SQL Server 2000, choosing this book, Professional SQL Server 2000 Programming, could well simplify your selection process.

In addition to providing a thorough treatment of SQL Server 2000 development, Robert Vieira's extensive reference also devotes quite a lot of space to covering SQL in general and issues relating to database design. Included is a complete introduction to Transact-SQL and an excellent chapter on normalisation that will go a long way for many to de-mystify the mystery of an over-referenced but much misunderstood database design concept. There is also in-depth information on the new features of SQL Server 2000, including indexed views, user-defined functions and support of XML. Sadly, there is no accompanying CD, but source code for the book can be downloaded from the Wrox Web site.

While you don't need any knowledge of SQL Server or database administration to make the most of this book, you will need a reasonable understanding of programming fundamentals. That said, the author's down-to-earth style makes it possible for anyone with some programming background and the will to learn, to really get to grips with SQL Server 2000 development. If you are looking for a book that combines rich content with clear explanation, then look no further than this excellent title. --Peter Lunn

From the Publisher
This book is a revised follow on from Professional SQL Server 7.0 Programming, to address the new features of this recent release. With a general understanding of programming principles, (eg familiarity with VB, C++, VB Script) Professional SQL Server 2000 Programming provides a comprehensive overview of the new areas of SQL Server, for programmers. There is an in-depth discussion of T-SQL, the query language of Microsoft SQL Server. From basic database design concepts a tutorial explains more advanced topics and specific areas including Stored Procedures and Advanced Queries. Advanced topics - performance tuning, security and a solid description of OLAP, which is built in with SQL Server, are then introduced. The new XML features are explored to provide an understanding of this important area. With over 1,500 pages this book covers the main topics to provide an in-depth understanding of concepts and procedures, so you can get the most out of SQL Server 2000.

From the Back Cover
SQL Server 2000 is the latest and most powerful version of Microsoft’s data warehousing and relational database management system. This new release is tightly integrated with Windows 2000 and offers more support for XML, as well as improved Analysis Services.

Professional SQL Server 2000 Programming provides a comprehensive guide to programming with SQL Server 2000, from a complete tutorial on Transact–SQL to an in–depth discussion of new features, such as indexed views, user–defined functions, and the wealth of new SQL Server features to support XML. Whether you’re coming to SQL Server 2000 from another relational database management system, upgrading your existing system, or perhaps want to add programming skills to your DBA knowledge, you’ll find what you need in this book to come to grips with SQL Server 2000 development.

Who is this book for:

This book is aimed at the SQL Server developer who wants to make the most out of the new features of SQL Server 2000. No knowledge of SQL Server is assumed, although in order to follow this book, you do need to have an understanding of programming basics such as variables, data types, and procedural programming. Database administration is also covered but only insofar as it affects the SQL Server developer.

What does this book cover?

• A complete introduction to Transact–SQL
• Database design issues
• Creating and using views, stored procedures, and user defined functions
• Responding to events with triggers
• Making your SQL Server secure
• Retrieving your data as XML
• An introduction to Analysis Services
• Moving data using Data Transformation Services and the bulk copy program
• Maintaining the integrity of distributed data with replication
• Querying a SQL Server database using English Query and Full–Text Search

Customer Reviews

A must read book
If you want to know about SQL Server - BUY THIS BOOK. I have read a few SQL Server books and NOTHING comes close to this book. The descriptions are clear, the examples precise. Page after page are littered with valuable, hard won, information. The authors has extensive knowledge of SQL Server and it shines though. A man who understands the subject matter and can explain it ... a rare thing in my experience. If you read one book about SQL Server, make it this one. Also, if you are using SQL Server 7, don't be put off, most of what is said applies to '7' and most differences between '7' and '2000' are clearly explained.

Well worth the money
I have just got this book the other day, and for the price it is I can defiantly say it is well worth the money. I had never used SQL Server before and only used Access in the past, this is a perfect book for learning SQL Server 2000 - The first few chapters set the ground work and is a bit boring as your keen to get to the pratical parts but you need to do it and is worth reading so the rest makes sense. Very nice examples, easy to follow. Another great book from Wrox to add to my collection.

A great introduction to SQL Server and T/SQL
As an experienced C++/Java developer with limited database experience I found this book to be really useful. It was pitched at the right level for me. I was initialy a little put off by the 'Professional' tag, I assumed it would require some previous knowledge of SQL Server. Instead the 'professional' should be taken to mean 'Software professional' rather then database specialist.

It's pretty big, but remarkabley easy to read. Well written in a friendly in style without being patronising or dumbed-down.