A Visual Introduction to SQL [Paperback]

J. Harvey Trimble Jr. (Author), David Chappell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471616842 | ISBN-13: 978-0471616849 | Publication Date: March 1989 | Edition: 1

A Visual Introduction to SQL Structured Query Language (SQL) is the standard tool for retrieving information from relational databases. A Visual Introduction to SQL shows how the apparent complexity of a SQL query can be resolved into transparent clarity using a simple visual representation. A breakthrough approach to understanding SQL, the graphical technique shown on the book’s cover is the basis of this example-filled book, allowing anyone to understand and use SQL. No prior knowledge of database systems is assumed, so whether you are seeing SQL for the first time or already have some experience with the language, A Visual Introduction to SQL is for you:

• For SQL beginners, the book’s unique graphical approach makes learning this sometimes unfriendly language much easier;
• For those with some SQL experience, A Visual Introduction to SQL provides an understanding of the language’s underlying structure, thus making the construction of even complex queries intuitively obvious;
• For daily SQL users, the wealth of examples contained in this book provide quick, easy-to-reference answers to frequently asked questions.

No matter what SQL system you use, A Visual Introduction to SQL is essential to your understanding of the language. Foreword by David Liddle, Chairman and Cofounder of Metaphore Computer Systems.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A unique, visual approach to learning Structured Query Language (SOL), a widely-used tool for accessing data stored in relational database systems. This diagram-based tutorial presents the language in an easily-accessible way, making it a more effective learning tool than other texts.

From the Back Cover

Learn SQL quickly with this easy-to-use, visual tutorial

Every IT professional needs at least a basic understanding of SQL. A Visual Introduction to SQL, Second Edition provides a unique tool for acquiring this knowledge. By diagramming each query, this book resolves the language's apparent complexity into simple clarity using an intuitive visual representation. Rather than focusing on a specific vendor's SQL dialect, the book introduces the essential core of the language, making it useful for anyone.

For this new edition of their successful, long-selling book, David Chappell and J. Harvey Trimble Jr. have updated the contents to reflect SQL today. The result is a clear, step-by-step explanation of the current language, with the book's unique visual approach guiding the way.

A Visual Introduction to SQL, Second Edition is useful for all levels:
* For SQL beginners, the unique graphical approach makes learning this sometimes unfriendly language much easier
* For those with some SQL experience, the visual approach makes clear the language's underlying structure and helps in creating complex queries
* For regular SQL users, the wealth of examples in this book provides quick, easy-to-reference answers to frequently asked questions

No matter what SQL version you use, A Visual Introduction to SQL, Second Edition allows you to quickly grasp both the basic and more advanced features of this important language.

Wiley Computer Publishing
Timely. Practical. Reliable.
Visit our Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks/ --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (March 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471616842
• ISBN-13: 978-0471616849
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,180,806 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ONLY SQL book I recommend for beginners, September 5, 2000

By 

Kenneth Shirey (Houston,TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Visual Introduction to SQL (Paperback)

This is a GREAT book for foundation skills in SQL.

I used this book to teach myself SQL when I was "elected" to implement an Oracle database system at a former job and have since gone on to become an Oracle developer and DBA. The concepts and techniques learned in this book have served me well along the way. I have taught Oracle development in a technical school, and insisted that they use this book in the classroom. The diagrammatic approach to learning about tables, columns, joins and SQL functions seems to "click" with everyone who encounters it.

I'm writing this review after buying my ?10th? copy of this book - don't loan it out if you need to keep your copy.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are trying to learn SQL, you need this book!, August 1, 1998

By 

Donald Walker (San Marino, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Visual Introduction to SQL (Paperback)

I saw this book in a bookstore and it did not look very impressive based on price to number of pages ratio but I had a look at it, and after trying to learn SQL from some other books, this was a breath of fresh air. This is a book you can blow though quickly, doesn't require access to a computer or even much knowledge of any particular relational database system. I read thorough half of it in a few hours, but by that time I had developed a working knowledge of SQL. (Without ever sitting at a computer). They use a visual technique and repetition to show exactly what the SQL commands are used for, and how to use them to get what you need from the database. It covers your plain vanilla SQL and so may be 'slightly' different in syntax from the SQL your database uses (but in my experience, the changes are very very minor (eg, Transact SQL does not require a semicolon at the end of a statement)). This is an awesome book for anyone trying to 'figure out' SQL. Really lets you s! ee what the commands do and lets you understand it. I reccomended this book to a friend trying to learn SQL and he feels the same way about the book. SQL is really a pretty simple language, and this book makes the simplicity clear. Covers all major parts of SQL queries. Select, Update, making tables, altering tables, granting permissions, etc. Everything you need to get you started. IF you are trying to understand SQL, this book belongs on your desk. It was published in 1989 I think, but dont let that deter you. It is the best intro book on SQL I have ever seen!!!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Attention Newbies to SQL - - This is your Book!!!, March 19, 2003

By 

W. Weylman (Winchester, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Visual Introduction to SQL (Paperback)

I am currently enrolled in a Database Management (Oracle/SQL) class at Boston College. Right off the bat, I knew I was in trouble when we were told the professor would be unavailable for help and most of students in class were computer science majors. (I was taking the class to broaden my computer skills above and beyond front-end web design.)

The textbook in class was the heinously monstrous 1200+ page Oracle 9i The Complete Reference by Kevin Loney. After struggling through many chapters and finding our professor's teaching style very unhelpful, I decided it was time for another resource.

I checked on Amazon ... and found Sam's Teach Yourself SQL in 10 minutes to be semi-helpful. Then at the Harvard Coop, I stumbled upon it - - A VISUAL INTRODUCTION TO SQL. The problem, I realized, was that I am a visual learner and need to see all the schema tables and step-by step actions to describe what happens as I develop queries. This books is key for any layman, like myself. It walks you through very basic (and more complex) problems in an easy-to-read visual approach. While using SQL on the PC, viewing the tables is difficult and this book helps you map out the problems to figure them out. I was especially impressed after emailing the author about a table question and getting a personalized response.

If you are in a bind to learn SQL on your own, this book is great and won't kill you lugging it around either.

P.S. A great addition I found to this book was a Mac client software (that can access Oracle Databases) called SQL Grinder. Like the book, this program is also very visual and the GUI (MAC) clearly reigns over any PC. Sorry Windows users! Thanks for your help, David Chappell! ;-)