The Practical SQL Handbook: Using Structured Query Language (3rd Edition)

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Summary: Thoroughly deserving of the high praise it has received
Review: Like most of the previous reviewers, I've found this book to be way out front in quality, information, readability and as the name says, practicality. In amazingly simple terms, it unveils the mystery of SQL and makes it almost homely. Examples are clear and appropriate, while the text is precise and to the point, with no wastage. This is a great little book that will provide you with all the ammunition needed for tackling SQL with confidence and cunning within a week. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

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Summary: Book doctors recommend most...
Review: I get asked by "newbies" for recommendations from time to time and this is the book I recommend most. Like a good childs toy, you won't outgrow it for awhile. It also brings you along at a very even pace so you don't feel like you are jumping over hugh gaps from one chapter to the next. The book also builds confidence because it makes SQL appear simple, which it is in its vanilla flavors. I would also like to recommend Martin Gruber's book on Understanding SQL, as this will provide a very smooth transition to more advanced SQL and explains the syntax a little more rigorously which becomes important as you progress. At some point you will discover that your vendor has added a fair amount of additional capability to their tool and you will need to transition to vendor-specific syntax/books/thinking... sigh.. so much for standards. This book and Gruber's will take you to that point. Good luck and don't be afraid to dink around a little, it's a good learning device. SQL will be around a long time, this is a great resume' builder. Go for it!

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Summary: The best SQL book on the market.
Review: By and far the best book about SQL on the market. This is the best book to learn SQL from, and a required resource for all database application developers.

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Summary: If only all computer books were this good
Review: Is there any other subject where the books are as poorly written as those that attempt to teach programming? This is a rare exception. Beginners should forget the rest and go with this one. I've been doing it for a while, so I skipped to a more advanced section on subqueries and was pleased to find the clearest explanation I've ever seen. It's practical. And it is not just a beginner's book. If a person learned all that this book teaches they would have the chops to code SQL like a pro.

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Summary: Good Book
Review: I develop with SQL drivers for windows 95 and this book is a good guide, exact commands for this version of SQL

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Summary: The definitive beginner's book on SQL
Review: I wish every programming book was written in this easy to read, "hands-on" style. I found myself amazed at how simple SQL actually is. After you gain a solid ground in the fundamentals with this book, progressing to more complex elements of SQL is a breeze.

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Summary: One of the best SQL books that I have used as a reference!
Review: This is one of the best sql books that I have used as a reference. I would recommend this to both programmers and non-programmers alike. There are a lot of great examples with the sample database. My knowledege of SQL was definitely extended by this book. This book also serves as a handy reference for programmers.

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Summary: I thought I new SQL, until I read this book.
Review: I had been using SQL for years, and found this book taught me more than a few things. It explained a number of mysteries, and proved to be enjoyable reading as well. Its a must read for anyone that needs to work with databases.

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Summary: An excelent book.
Review: It is a must for anyone who has to do with the CLIENT SERVER architecture. Because of the excelent way in which the concepts and the exercises are designed you can go in depth into SQL soon and easy, what every Analyst or Programmer is always looking for.

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Summary: Very Useful!
Review: I'm a programmer with a casual knowledge of SQL. With this book, I was able to quickly create complex queries. It was a great timesaver! Very well organized with good examples. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a SQL programming project with only a little time to "spin-up".