Structured Query Language (SQL)--a standard language for working with databases--is so flexible, yet so concise, it's hard not to consider it perfectly evolved. It's even harder to justify not taking the time to learn SQL, considering that scores of technologies and hundreds of manufacturers support it, and are likely to do so for some time. An investment in learning SQL is almost certain to pay off. Beginning SQL drills critical SQL concepts and techniques (like simple data extractions and insertions) into its readers' brains, and backs up that got-to-memorize knowledge with easily accessible information on less commonly used techniques (like stored procedures and complicated joins). The authors' emphasis falls on ANSI-standard SQL (mostly SQL-92) rather than on any particular publisher's implementation (and extension) of it, though they do use Microsoft SQL Server 2000 in their examples (and include a time-limited copy of it on the companion CD-ROM). Like most books in this series, this volume exposes its subject with a combination of lecture-like prose (a discussion of NULLs, their meaning, and the design considerations associated with them is an example) and type-this-get-that examples. It's a helpful approach that lends itself to careful study as well as pressured hunts for quick answers. Readers may wish for information on specific database servers, or for information on integrating SQL queries into applications that don't involve Active Server Pages (ASP), but this book maintains its focus on SQL with overtones of Microsoft. --David Wall Topics covered: Structured Query Language (SQL) for programmers, Web site developers, and others who need a solid familiarity with the language as part of their duties--as well as aspiring database administrators who want a place to start their in-depth study of SQL and database design. Sections deal with all standard SQL statements, as well as database design in terms of data types, value constraints, and joins. Calculations, stored functions, aggregate functions, and schemas all are touched upon.
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