SQL For Dummies [Paperback]

Allen G. Taylor (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764540750 | ISBN-13: 978-0764540752 | Publication Date: August 8, 2003 | Edition: 5

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.

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.

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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 5 edition (August 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764540750
• ISBN-13: 978-0764540752
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,241,335 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Allen G. Taylor is a 30-year veteran of the computer industry and the author of 27 books, including SQL For Dummies, 7th Edition, Crystal Reports 2008 For Dummies, Database Development For Dummies, Access Power Programming with VBA, and SQL All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies. He lectures internationally on databases, networks, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He also teaches database development through a leading online education. For the latest news on Allen's activities, check out www.DatabaseCentral.Info or his blog at www.moontube.wordpress.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 38 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
(VINE VOICE)   

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!)

47 of 54 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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Overall adequate, but could have been better, July 7, 2001

By 

David H Schneider (Botswana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SQL for Dummies (Paperback)

First off, I must stress that after I finished reading this book I did walk away with a far greater knowledge of SQL. To this end the book served its purpose and was worth the time/money I invested in the book.

My most serious criticism is that the early chapters introduced complex examples, which I forced myself to understand...only to discover that the author explained the issues more thoroughly at a later stage. On page 55 the author explains the MIN function with a sub/nested SQL query...introducing nested queries at such an early stage was a little confusing and it distracted me from the function being discussed.

As a result I spent considerable time working through the early chapters...but the later chapters were easy to follow.

Had the author taken a bit of time to consider the placement and appropriateness of each example, this book would have received a 4/5 rating in my mind. Of course an indirect advantage of this lack of fore-thought is that if the reader is prepared to work through the earlier examples the learning process is much more active.