Rating: 
Summary: Excellent resource
Review: I have several SQL reference books in my library, but this is the 1 that I use 9 times out of 10. Rob has a way of explaining things that makes it seem easier to understand. Couple that with good examples and you have a winning combination. It also doesn't hurt that the book conveys his sense of humor -- which under a tight deadline, seems to difuse frustration. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good reference. Get a basic understanding of SQL, then skip the beginning books for this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Out of date
Review: After all the ballyhoo on this book, I went and bought it. Frankly, I'm disappointed. Were there pages missing or did old Rob forget about T-SQL error handling? With SQL Server 2000 on the street much of what you see here is old hat. Current books focus on SQL 2000's new features. This one doesn't. For a guy that apparently spends more times in newsgroups than he does with the product, the self-important style is inappropriate. Go and earn your stripes, Rob.
Rating:
Summary: pretty good so far
Review: i've got this book a few days ago. I've read almost 100 pages and it's pretty interesting and i think i'm gonna finish the book soon. it can be the best reference on sql server. if u r planning to buy it, go for it.
Rating: 
Summary: Good coverage, many examples, but too much chitchat
Review: This book has a good coverage from business logic analysis to implementation. But too much chitchat waste time and paper.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but bloated
Review: This book is actually really good. I thought Database programming and design would be one of the most boring things I've ever studied in my life, but with this book it was actually quite interesting. They would do well to trim off about 200 pages, but otherwise it's good. I don't like the fact that the book holds your hand so much, but I guess it's understandable since the target audience is people who have never done any database programming. If you're looking for a good introductory book to dealing with SQL Server from a non API standpoint (as in dealing directly with the Enterprise Manager, etc), then you can't really go wrong with this book.
Rating:
Summary: Best Reference material on my desk!.........
Review: I bought the book about 3 months ago, and have used it everyday since. I read through the first 3-4 chapters that give you a background on the setting of your SQL based server, but if you already know that you can still use the rest of the book like an encyclopedia of T-SQL functions and procedures. I am truly happy with my purchase!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Money very well spent...
Review: Brilliant. I had the previous edition of this book (for version 7) but had to let go of it when I changed jobs. After about 6 very painful weeks I realised that I couldn't do without it and bought a new copy. In summary
- His style is pleasant yet efficient
- The content is concise comprehensive
- The layout is excellent Of the five SQL books sitting on my shelves, this is by far my favourite. Well done Rob!
Rating:
Summary: Good reference book
Review: The author has explained things neatly but the problem is you seem to be taken in for more theortical info than a Hands on approach. I wanted to master sql 2000 in short time since I new sql 7.0 but it has consumed more time than that . If you are serious to learn and get a grasp of it in short time then this is not the book. Guna
Rating:
Summary: For Beginning and Experienced Programmers
Review: Having been a VB programmer and moved to the position of Database Analyst using SQL, I was a bit lost. I was looking for a book that was not so elementary it was a waste of my money but also one that would not cause me further confusion. I also wanted a book that I could use as a reference for the future. Vieira's book was perfect. He has an entertaining writing style that does not assume that you are an expert in the programming language, and gives you plenty of good examples and code that you can apply. He also does not restrict himself to just how to write code but expands it to include the workings of database systems. I would highly recommend the book for individuals who have limited programming skills and want a good overview on database systems and design.
Rating:
Summary: Well Rounded Book
Review: This is a good book on many different aspects of SQL Server. It covers the basics of Creating Databases, Tables, Stored Procedures, Triggers, etc. It also talks a little about administration. It touches enough on every area to get you up and running with SQL Server 2000. This book is a sufficient resource for 80% of the developers out there who are also DBAs.
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