SQL For Dummies (Paperback)

by Allen G. Taylor (Author)
Key Phrases: multitable database, row value expression, preceding example returns, National League, Bob Turley, American League (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com 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 ten 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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
See how SQL interfaces with today's environments


Start building and using relational databases with SQL's newest features

The database may be the twenty-first century filing cabinet, but building one is a little more complex than sliding drawers into a metal box. With this book to guide you through all the newest features of SQL, you'll soon be whipping up relational databases, using SQL with XML to power data-driven Web sites, and more!

Discover how to
* Use SQL in a client/server system
* Build a multitable relational database
* Construct nested and recursive queries
* Set up database security
* Use SQL within applications
* Map SQL to XML

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 6 edition (August 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 047004652X
• ISBN-13: 978-0470046524
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #35,625 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #30 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Programming > Introductory & Beginning > For Dummies - Programming
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  #54 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Databases > SQL

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Starting Point, November 28, 2001

By	Elderbear (Loma Linda, Aztlan) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This review is from: SQL for Dummies (Paperback)

The last time I worked with databases, my entire computer (RAM + mass storage) had less than one MEGAbyte of memory. No hard disk, just two 360 kB floppy disk drives and 128K of RAM. I just got saddled with a data-mining project that will process tens of gigabytes of data in a networked environment. My analysis tools can use SQL to access the data. This book was the first thing I insisted on. (Kind of embarassing for a senior person to be seen carrying a thick yellow and black book with the word "DUMMIES" on it ...)

This has proven to be an excellent starting point. I know plenty about computers and programming. I vaguely remember the essentials of relational databases (for those who don't, basic information is in the book, it should be enough to get started, even if you are absolutely ignorant!) Taylor packaged enough of the right information that I could read his book over the weekend and dive into the planning stages of our project on Monday sounding like I knew a thing or two.

The book charts a course from the most basic elements of databases to modestly complicated database and query materials. The author discusses common pitfalls and useful strategies. This book isn't enough, by itself, to turn somebody into a database wonk, but it's a great starting point.

I got a bit annoyed by some of the "cute" material used to make the subject seem less threatening, but that filler doesn't take up too much space and is easily skipped. Also, the book is overly Microsoft centered--the author uses Windows applications as examples and champions Microsofts ODBC. A section about using SQL in a Unix/Linux environment should have been included (access from shell scripts, PERL, etc?). A solid four-star introduction to SQL and database technology in a Microsoft world.

(If you'd like to discuss this book or review in more detail, please click on the "about me" link above and drop me some email. Thanks!)

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not for your average 'Dummy', June 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: SQL for Dummies (Paperback)

I'm not sure why someone who already knows SQL would want to use a "Dummies" book. If 'SQL for Dummies' is indeed meant for the average "Dummy" then it skips the most important aspect of this series - catering to someone who knows little or nothing about the topic.

The jokes are not funny - and concentrating on the badly written text becomes increasingly difficult. The author does a poor job of introducing the SQL code and what each function does. He doesn't teach at all - which is what he should be doing.

For a great introduction to SQL, try Judith Bowman's 'The Practical SQL Handbook'. It is a far superior text - an easier read, insightful, helpful, and most of all - it teaches a novice the ins and outs of complex databases and coding in SQL for the REAL world. 'SQL for Dummies', however, does not fit in with the 'Dummies' series. If that's why you want this book, then look elsewhere.

26 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Want to learn SQL? Find some other book., June 10, 2003

By	S. King (Ephrata, PA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: SQL for Dummies (Paperback)

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I worked with SQL some years ago and bought this book as a refresher. I've used only one other "dummy" book and that was "ASP for Dummies" and found it so excellent for a subject I was NOT familiar with that I figured getting one of the same series on a subject for which I just needed to refresh previous knowledge was a no-brainer.

I was wrong; I've put this book aside and ordered the "SQL: Visual Quickstart guide" (haven't read it yet, so no verdict yet). I've used this series to learn Dreamweaver MX and found it exceptional.

The "SQL for Dummies" book seems to have lost track of its intended audience. The examples are arcane and overly complex. Often, when a SQL statement is presented, it's not fully explained. Excruciatingly often, the author states he'll explain something later when the situation cries for (at least) a quick explanation NOW.

The author is obviously expert in the subject, but presents the material as one who forgets that in his explanation the reader may not have the same background nor is able to read the author's mind to fill in the gaps the author has not shared with the reader.

With no offense intended for the author, this reader, at least, recommends you look for another tutorial for learning SQL.