Databases Demystified (Demystified) [Paperback]

Andrew Oppel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0072253649 | ISBN-13: 978-0072253641 | Publication Date: March 1, 2004 | Edition: 1

Through clear language, step-by-step discussions, and quizzes at the end of each chapter, the author makes databases easy. Quickly learn the core skills needed to design, configure, manage, and manipulate databases, whether at work or at home. Topics such as exploring different database models, planning their design, minimizing redundant data, designing tables, applying database design concepts, and implementing database security are covered. This is that fast, easy-to-understand tutorial that you’ve been looking for.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The fast and easy way to understanding the fundamentals of databases

If you’re tired of wading through huge technical manuals that drown you in jargon, making it difficult to decipher database fundamentals, help has finally arrived. Databases Demystified is user-friendly, engaging, easy to follow, and designed for the non-expert wanting to quickly learn the ins and outs of databases and immediately apply concepts learned.

Its step-by-step approach and detailed explanations of database design make this a comprehensive resource covering all the tools you need to build and manage your database. Learn how to form database queries using Microsoft Access and SQL, explore methods for connecting a database to applications, and discover how to store your historical data for analyses. From logical data design using normalization to database security and data warehousing, Databases Demystified gets your database up and running in no time.

Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Databases Demystified is your shortcut to mastering databases.

This one-of-a kind self-teaching text offers:

• An easy way to understand databases
• A quiz at the end of each chapter
• A final exam at the end of the book
• No unnecessary technical jargon
• A time-saving approach

About the Author

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media; 1 edition (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072253649
• ISBN-13: 978-0072253641
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #350,453 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Andrew J. (Andy) Oppel is a proud graduate of The Boys' Latin School of Maryland and of Transylvania University (Lexington, KY) where he earned a BA in computer science in 1974. Since then he has been continuously employed in a wide variety of information technology positions, including programmer, programmer/analyst, systems architect, project manager, senior database administrator, database group manager, consultant, database designer, and data architect. He is currently a lead data modeler at Blue Shield of California.

In addition, he has been a part-time instructor with the University of California (Berkeley) Extension for over 25 years, and received the Honored Instructor Award for the year 2000. His teaching work included developing three courses for UC Extension, "Concepts of Database Management Systems", "Introduction to Relational Database Management Systems", and "Data Modeling and Database Design". He also earned his Oracle 9i Database Associate certification in 2003.

Aside from computer systems, Andy enjoys music (guitar and vocals), amateur radio, and soccer (Referee Instructor, U.S. Soccer).

Andy has designed and implemented hundreds of databases for a wide range of applications, including medical research, banking, insurance, apparel manufacturing, telecommunications, wireless communications, and human resources. His database product experience includes IMS, DB2, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, MySQL, and Oracle.

Andy has authored "Databases Demystified", "SQL Demystified", "Databases, A Beginner's Guide", and "Data Modeling, A Beginner's Guide". He is also co-author of "SQL, A Beginner's Guide, 3rd Edition" and "SQL, The Complete Reference, 3rd Edition". The 2nd edition of "Databases Demystified" is due out in the fall of 2010.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, Fast, and Easy - All Three For Almost Free, August 12, 2004

By 

D. Davitian (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Databases Demystified (Demystified) (Paperback)

I've been reading technical books for the last 20 years and this is one of my favorites! The information is clean and accurate, you can plow through the book relatively quickly, and the concepts are presented very clearly. I highly recommend it - the "arm and a leg" you save may be your own.

The subtitle says, "A Self-Teaching Guide", and that is exactly what you get. I found the prose approachable and the chapters very well organized. Other books sometimes offer an esoteric quiz at the end of the chapter, but this quiz actually helps focus the reader on the main points. Nobody leaves wondering what matters most.

The book targets the novice. However, it doesn't skimp on the critical, classic database issues such as the outer join, choosing primary and alternate keys, data normalization, good data modeling, and the differences between physical and logical design. Don't dismiss the book if you think that you are already pretty knowledgeable -- I guarantee you'll learn something new. I know that I did.

I was surprised at the treatment given to Security. Instead of limiting the discussion entirely to database security, the book expanded briefly into some adjacent areas. Anyone that works with a database should know this information, but it's hard to find it so well ordered. Great coverage.

I do have one objection. After reading it, I thought it would be great to sit down and interview the author to learn more. It's not that anything is missing, but this complex topic was made very approachable...it left me looking for more. Sometimes the audience hates you at the end of the show, but this refreshingly straightforward leaves you ready for more.

I look forward to the next book, where I expect the author explains how to "kick it up a notch" and become a Database Jedi Master. With a foundation like this, I know I'll be ready!

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly good, September 17, 2004

By 

T. Winther (Europe) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Databases Demystified (Demystified) (Paperback)

Very, very good introduction to databases. I'm mostly self-taught in the DB field, and felt that although I knew and understood most concepts at a reasonable level, there were a few bits and pieces missing. I bought this book in the hope that it would help me find those bits and pieces, and wasn't disappointed. This book would be excellent value if it cost more; at it's current price it's mindbogglingly good value.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Floored by how good this is., January 9, 2005

By 

C. Allen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Databases Demystified (Demystified) (Paperback)

This is perhaps the best written guide to anything to do with computers that I have ever read! I'm a rank beginner with databases, and after studying with this book I feel perfectly comfortable with the larger more technical books that I've found. Highly recommended.