SQL Bible [Paperback]

Alex Kriegel (Author), Boris M. Trukhnov (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764525840 | ISBN-13: 978-0764525841 | Publication Date: April 1, 2003

• Covers the latest version of the ISO SQL standard (SQL-99) and gives readers information they need to know about the differences in vendor-specific SQL implementations including Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and IBM DB2
• Knowledge of this ubiquitous database programming language is becoming more critical as IT departments move toward more integrated heterogeneous platforms
• Covers growing use of SQL with Web services and XML
• CD-ROM includes a complete sample database and trial versions of major relational database management software
  
  
  

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

If SQL can do it, you can do it too...

Here, in one definitive volume, is all the information you need to understand and use SQL and its implementations in accordance with the established SQL99 standard. Whether you want to learn database programming from scratch, you’d like to sharpen your SQL skills, or you need to know more about programming for a heterogeneous database environment, this book provides the complete menu. Tutorials and code examples in each chapter make it an indispensable reference for every level of expertise.

Inside, you’ll find complete coverage of SQL

• Understand the definition and characteristics of relational databases and SQL’s role within RDBMS
• Recognize vendor-specific implementation variations among Oracle, IBM DB2 UDB, and MS SQL Server
• Create and modify RDBMS objects like tables, views, indexes, synonyms, sequences, and schemas using Data Definition Language (DDL)
• Comprehend Data Manipulation Language (DML) from different vendors’ perspectives
• Master single-table select statements and multitable queries from the ground up</ LI>
• Explore in-depth SQL functions, operators, and data types for major RDBMS implementations
• Discover new SQL developments including XML, OLAP, Web services, and object-oriented features

Bonus CD-ROM includes:

• IBM^® DB2^® Universal Database Personal Edition v 8.1 for Windows^® Operating Environments Evaluation copy
• Complete original database example files from the authors
• Complete book in PDF format

About the Author

Alex Kriegel, MCP/MCSD, has worked for Pope & Talbot, Inc., in Portland, Oregon, since 2001 as Senior Programmer/Analyst; prior to that, he worked for Psion Teklogix International, Inc., in the same capacity. He received his B.S. in Physics of Metals from Polytechnic Institute of Belarus in 1988, discovered PC programming in 1992, and has never looked back since. He is also the author of Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Weekend Crash Course (Wiley, 2001).

Boris M. Trukhnov, OCP, has been working as Senior Technical Analyst/Oracle DBA for Pope & Talbot, Inc., in Portland, Oregon, since 1998. His previous job titles include Senior Programmer Analyst, Senior Software Developer, and Senior Operations Analyst. He has been working with SQL and relational databases since 1994. Boris holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota.

Product Details

• Paperback: 831 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764525840
• ISBN-13: 978-0764525841
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.2 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #754,865 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book to learn SQL and RDBMS concepts, May 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: SQL Bible (Paperback)

I was not interested in learning just SQL per se, I also wanted to get some RDBMS experience. This is what had drawn my attention to SQL Bible: it concentrates on three major RDBMS packages (with all due respect, I can't imagine making decent living with Open Source databases like MySQL : ) ), makes comparisons, explains THEIR implementations - just what I needed (do not believe anyone who tells you that ANSI SQL is all you need to know to work in the field!) I installed DB2 Personal Edition (included with the book), and the installation was a snap! All I had to do was to follow very detailed and clear instructions in Appendix D; again, following instructions I have created a database and installed all authors scripts. The scripts were in the place where the book says they should, and I have not encountered a single problem running them... I was pleasantly surprised because this is where the most books fail: missing files, confusing "best-case-scenario" instructions... Not here! It's a shame that Oracle 9i installation was not included; I had to download it separately following instructions in the book (p.638.) Oracle 9i takes over 1.5 GB of space - 3 (!) CDs. It took me awhile, even with my cable connection speed... The only glitch I found so far was that the CD claims to contain MS SQL Server, but has DB2 8.1 for Windows instead (just as it says on the book's back cover.)

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Starts from scratch, May 28, 2004

By 

Alois van Klinken (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SQL Bible (Paperback)

An excellent, easy to follow text. While I had known SQL prior to this, it is not a necessity for anyone. The author is skilled at covering all the salient points of SQL, and gives plenty of clear examples.

I recommend it to anyone who needs a thorough education in SQL. It will take you some time to get thru it. Sheer size of the book. But well worth your time.

Alois

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top SQL99 reference for DB2 8.1, Oracle9i, MS SQL 2000, November 12, 2003

By 

Suresh Chanmugam (Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: SQL Bible (Paperback)

The best reference for the SQL99 standard. Each SQL command is provided first by syntax followed by its variations for DB2 8.1, Oracle 9i and SQL server 2000 making the book a ONE STOP SHOP. An example in code form is included for the command being referred to. Whenever there is a custom feature of a command for a given RDBMS (say Oracle 9i) that does not exist in another (say SQL server 2000) the author will try to show you a work around in obtaining that unavailable feature if possible. The CD Rom included with the book comes with DB2 V8.1 (personal edition for windows) and most importunately the PDF version of the book as well. Thoughtfully organized into basic concepts, DDL, DML, Transactions and more. Good for Intermediate plus or a smart Junior programmer.