Rating: 
Summary: Disapponting re-package
Review: Covers a lot of topics but only at the most basic level. I was particularly interested in complex DML statements such as updating one section of a Table based on data contained in the latest entries. I got more information from the Transact-SQL help screens from Microsoft. I suppose this would be a useful introduction for someone who new absolutely nothing about the topic, but as a professional reference it was a waste of money.
Rating:
Summary: Superficial Treatment - Not a useful reference
Review: Covers a lot of topics but only at the most basic level. I was particularly interested in complex DML statements such as updating one section of a Table based on data contained in the latest entries. I got more information from the Transact-SQL help screens from Microsoft. I suppose this would be a useful introduction for someone who new absolutely nothing about the topic, but as a professional reference it was a waste of money.
Rating: 
Summary: Book covers SQL
Review: Excellent book, I bought it simply because I wanted to have a reference book for SQL syntax. Don't expect this book to teach you about normal forms and whatnot, it covers the ANSI SQL standard (even SQL2) only, thereby, you'd need to pick up a book on normalization.A note to people starting with databases: this book covers SQL syntax, it contains evaluation versions of SQL Server, DB2, and etc. It doesn't cover the actual DBMS themselves, there are books reserved for that. Lastly, before you buy this book, know the theories of relational database design such as normalization, the ideology behind relational database design is fundamental to database design, administration, and maintenance.
Rating:
Summary: Book covers SQL
Review: Excellent book, I bought it simply because I wanted to have a reference book for SQL syntax. Don't expect this book to teach you about normal forms and whatnot, it covers the ANSI SQL standard (even SQL2) only, thereby, you'd need to pick up a book on normalization. A note to people starting with databases: this book covers SQL syntax, it contains evaluation versions of SQL Server, DB2, and etc. It doesn't cover the actual DBMS themselves, there are books reserved for that. Lastly, before you buy this book, know the theories of relational database design such as normalization, the ideology behind relational database design is fundamental to database design, administration, and maintenance.
Rating:
Summary: Will Keep You Out of Trouble
Review: First let me tell you why NOT TO BUY this book: You want to learn how to create SQL statements- there are lots of SQL manuals that are better, and easier to use as a reference because they are lighter in pounds. You want to learn advanced issues in creating a database- if you are that advanced you should buy a book about the particular issue you need help with. Now let me to you WHY TO BUY this book: If you are just building databases complex enough to get into real trouble (and that happens a lot sooner than you may think) you must read this book. It gives an overview of all the problems you need to think about. Very simple databases can get into trouble if you aren't very careful about data integrity and security. This book will raise warning-flags in your head- to find out what do about those warning-flags, however, you may need to go to a book specifically about your application or problem.
Rating: 
Summary: Lots of Material, But Where is the Material on Functions
Review: For a book calling itself "The Complete Reference", I find 2 pages listing functions awfully skimpy and to have *nothing* in the index on decode is mysterious to me.
Rating:
Summary: Unorganized
Review: For a reference book, it does a terrible job providing a quick reference for the syntax. The book is very unorganized, and the diagrams are terrible. I don't suggest you buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Lots of examples, Covers Tons of SQL Commands
Review: I am intermediate with SQL and have to say that this book has examples for any and every command that you can think of. Now I'm not sure if everything is in there because it is such a huge book but I wouldn't doubt it, it explains basics to Advanced with good examples.
I think that everyone should have this as a reference if you want something that has most of what you might need when looking up SQL
Rating:
Summary: Lots of examples, Covers Tons of SQL Commands
Review: I am intermediate with SQL and have to say that this book has examples for any and every command that you can think of. Now I'm not sure if everything is in there because it is such a huge book but I wouldn't doubt it, it explains basics to Advanced with good examples.
I think that everyone should have this as a reference if you want something that has most of what you might need when looking up SQL
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book.
Review: I had no previous experience in SQL and I needed to learn it fast for my job. I chose this book because it got good reviews, and I have no regrets that I bought it. The book is excellent for beginners as well as intermediate level programmers. The material is presented clearly and logically, and explanations and examples are very helpful. I would highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn SQL as well as to everyone who is looking for a good reference book.
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