A Guide to SQL, Seventh Edition

Rating:
Summary: Not really bad, but not that good either
Review: I didn't choose this book, it is required for an SQL class I am taking. In our class we are using Microsoft SQL Server 7, and the book tells you that the code will work on any flavors of SQL (or maybe I misread) but it actually focuses on Oracle. Some commands are really different for MSSQL,which uses Transact-SQL, and I have to do a lot of searching to find the equivalents in Microsoft's version.

The book is made for beginners, real beginners. It tells you a little bit about the history of SQL and stuff. Then it starts talking about databases in general, but it never gets really far, it just briefly explains what databases are, and I think people would want more than what is said here.

Then it starts with SQL scripting and all the normal chapters.

One thing I didn't like, is that in the first chapter it jumps you to the code, before explaining what it does. And it never really explains the code thoroughly. It could use more examples with different situations.

One more thing, this is the kind of book that you have to follow the little game. "We are building this database...", it's all been done for you, you never get to design or understand the concepts of designing a database, and doesn't explain a lot about foreign keys and relationships. It tells you "it's a real world database"...but you never really learn anything until you do it on your own.

I wouldn't recommend it...

Rating:
Summary: A Guide To SQL
Review: Sketchy at best. Gives some good examples but does not cover all of the SQL language. Jumps around a lot. Definitely not worth the 30+ dollars.

Rating:
Summary: Database concepts given are very confusing.
Review: The book "jumps" around a lot. Many concepts of the Database are not clear or confusing.I take a Database design class which requires this book, but I absolutely don't recommend it to anyone looking to get some knowledge in SQL.