Rating: 
Summary: *The* standard reference on SQR
Review: Aside from the fact that there is no other book that teaches SQR, this book is unique and valuable for following reasons:- It teaches good programming practices. Anyone who has developed in any procedural language (including scripting and query languages) can quickly learn SQR. Therein lies a problem that this book overcomes: the excellent advice given about program development and structure can offset bad habits picked up in other languages. - It's a definitive resource for SQR developers. Although SQR is relatively easy to learn, it's also rich with features missing from most other languages, such as complete control over printed and screen output, built-in constructs for graphs and charts, and multiple output file formats. Using many of these features not easy for beginners or programmers more used to other languages, but this book shows by example how to exploit every feature SQR has to offer. - It dispels the common notion that SQR is a PeopleSoft-only tool. In fact, PeopleSoft doesn't own the language, and SQR will work in any database environment. More important, the book shows how to develop application and database independent programs that will work in any environment. This is an awakening for those who are going down proprietary paths, such as standardizing on Oracle's PL/SQL. While PL/SQL itself a powerful language, but is limited to Oracle - migrating from Oracle to, say, DB2 requires that all PL/SQL programs be scrapped. Had the applications and reports been developed in SQR the only changes would be to tables referenced. In addition to the above, this book also provides good practices for forming SQL queries and understanding how a poorly formed join can make the difference between a resource hog and an unintrusive application. Since SQL, like SQR, is easy to learn many developers take the path of least resistance and develop queries with no thought on their effect on production systems. This book gives sound advice for avoiding that mistake. The section on PeopleSoft, while out of date with respect to version 8, still contains valuable information for the majority of SQR developers whose exposure to SQR is via PeopleSoft. There is something for everyone in this book - beginners can learn SQR the right way, and seasoned developers will have a ready reference that covers almost every facet of SQR in practical terms. If your job is primarily SQR development I also recommend that you also get a copy of "SQR Programmer Reference" by Don Mellen (ISBN 0967773008) as a quick reference to the features and nuances of SQR.
Rating: 
Summary: From a functional PeopleSoft user's standpoint
Review: I bought this book hoping it would supplement the PeopleSoft SQR class and in general was not disappointed, given my expectations. I knew it wouldn't include anything on PeopleSoft 8; thus the illustrations in the "SQR and PeopleSoft" section are dated. However, the examples in the section on working with effective-dated tables were very useful and apply to all releases. I haven't read the "Advanced Features" section of the book yet, because I was discouraged a bit when I had trouble grasping a few of the concepts in the SQR Basics section. I was pleased that their sample database, on which the reports are based, is modeled on the HRMS JOB, EMPLOYMENT, and PERSDATA tables; however, including sample output with each of their exercise/illustrations would have been helpful. In summary, if you are a pretty experienced functional person (I am a consultant), are motivated enough to invest the time to learn SQR, and have access to the tool, this may be a good choice. Certainly more information (understandably) than you can get from a five-day SQR class.
Rating:
Summary: From a functional PeopleSoft user's standpoint
Review: I bought this book hoping it would supplement the PeopleSoft SQR class and in general was not disappointed, given my expectations. I knew it wouldn't include anything on PeopleSoft 8; thus the illustrations in the "SQR and PeopleSoft" section are dated. However, the examples in the section on working with effective-dated tables were very useful and apply to all releases. I haven't read the "Advanced Features" section of the book yet, because I was discouraged a bit when I had trouble grasping a few of the concepts in the SQR Basics section. I was pleased that their sample database, on which the reports are based, is modeled on the HRMS JOB, EMPLOYMENT, and PERSDATA tables; however, including sample output with each of their exercise/illustrations would have been helpful. In summary, if you are a pretty experienced functional person (I am a consultant), are motivated enough to invest the time to learn SQR, and have access to the tool, this may be a good choice. Certainly more information (understandably) than you can get from a five-day SQR class.
Rating:
Summary: A 'Must-Have' for PS Developers
Review: I have few than six months of Peoplesoft and SQR experience but was able to code a module that completely replaces the delivered Overtime Calculation for Time and Labor from PS. This book has been a tremendous help and resource. One of the best investments I have ever made. Examples are well illustrated. Explanation is very clear and relevant. A great book for developer with couple years of SQL experience.
Rating:
Summary: The best technical manual I have ever purchased!
Review: I have spent $10's of thousands of dollars of my own money as well as my company's money on technical manuals and training and this is by far the best technical manual I have ever put my hands on. I am a NT Admin who is moving into a PeopleSoft role and this book is a Godsend. It took me from clueless to the point where I can intelligently discuss SQR/SQL as well as write small programs that talk to both Oracle/SQLBASE in a relatively short period of time (3weeks).Pick this book up and I guarantee you will appreciate it. I am cutting my teeth on Peoplsoft (HRMS) single user so if anyone out there has some nice learning code they want to share I would appreciate it.
Rating:
Summary: Great !!
Review: I was working on a problem a couple of years ago and took the suggestion of a co-worker to buy this book. For the last two years I have been using it as a reference. I spent a few months off and came back and embaressed myself puting a report in process scheduler. So I sat down and read the book front to back. I wish I had done this a couple of years ago. I have been working with SQR for five years. I have used examples and the SQR manuals to accomplish what I wanted. This work provided me with a lot of knowledge that I had never taken the time to pick up. Now even if I take the time off and need a refresher the sections are highlighted. I have found this book very useful as both a reference and a knoweldge builder. Also, the writing style was good enough that rereading the portions that I was alread aware of was not too irksome. Interestingly, I could swear some of the interview questions I have been asked came right out of this book.
Rating:
Summary: Wished this Book was Available When I Started PeopleSoft
Review: In 1995, I started into the world of PeopleSoft. I wished I had this book after I took my first SQR class. This book gives practical advice, has many examples which solve typical business problems, and is a great reference book. If I had this book when I started, my SQRs would have been better. I learned a lot by coding and re-doing code. This book would have saved me a lot of time. At my current job, we reference it frequently. I think we all have our own copies and highly recommend it to anyone writing SQRs. I think I will never finish reading the book as I keep getting more information from it. I think sometimes I am not ready to hear what is said until a later date. I really think this book is filling a void and will be greatly appreciated.
Rating:
Summary: Wished this Book was Available When I Started PeopleSoft
Review: In 1995, I started into the world of PeopleSoft. I wished I had this book after I took my first SQR class. This book gives practical advice, has many examples which solve typical business problems, and is a great reference book. If I had this book when I started, my SQRs would have been better. I learned a lot by coding and re-doing code. This book would have saved me a lot of time. At my current job, we reference it frequently. I think we all have our own copies and highly recommend it to anyone writing SQRs. I think I will never finish reading the book as I keep getting more information from it. I think sometimes I am not ready to hear what is said until a later date. I really think this book is filling a void and will be greatly appreciated.
Rating:
Summary: Not up to date on version 8
Review: It is very rare to find a technical book that actually provides superior technical information to a practicing information system professional. This book is organized well, provides good examples, and has detailed descriptions of the various built-in functions. I consistently refer to this information when I create SQR programs for PeopleSoft systems. Having been away from SQR for a year, I was able to get back up to speed in a half a day by reviewing the book. If 6 stars were available, I would rate this book at this leve. If you have to use SQR, particularly with PeopleSoft, you can not go wrong.
Rating:
Summary: Peoplesoft Books
Review: This book is the model for future authors of ERP. ERP is not an easy subject matter to write about since it involves aspects from varied academic and business-practical standpoints. In particular, the Landres were able to break down elements from SQR and how it integrates with the PeopleSoft application. They do so in a manner which is easy to read (from a programming standpoint) without getting buried in irrelevant academic explanations. The target audience are technical people who 1) are faced with understanding SQR (with or without PS) at a technical managerial level 2) need to write sqr's from scratch 3) need to modify delivered sqrs 4) really are functional but need to understand how SQR impacts functionality. The readers who do not fit this profile should not purchase this book since the authors do not really delve into SQR as a strategic tool vs. other reporting tools (Actuate, IBI, Query/Crystal, nVision, Cognos, Essbase, etc). However, I consider this book to be a breakthrough and should be considered a vital reference book for anyone who can spell PeopleSoft.
| 
