Sebastopol, CA—Although SQL is an old language, it's going to be around for a lot longer, and has a bright future in store, says author Alan Beaulieu. "Properly designed, a relational database can handle huge amounts of data, and SQL is a language for generating, manipulating, and retrieving data from such a relational database," explains Beaulieu in the new edition of Learning SQL (Second Edition, O'Reilly, US $39.99). "When working with large data sets, SQL is akin to one of those snazzy digital cameras with high-power zoom lens in that you can use SQL to look at large sets of data, or you can zoom in on individual rows (or anywhere in between).
"Other database management systems tend to break down under heavy loads because their focus is too narrow (the zoom lens is stuck on maximum)," Beaulieu continues, "which is why attempts to dethrone relational databases and SQL have largely failed. Therefore, even though SQL is an old language, it is going to be around for a lot longer and has a bright future in store."
Updated for the latest database management systems—including MySQL 6.0, Oracle 11g, and Microsoft's SQL Server 2008—Beaulieu's guide will get you up and running with SQL quickly. Whether you need to write database applications, perform administrative tasks, or generate reports, Learning SQL will help you easily master all the SQL fundamentals.
Each chapter presents a self-contained lesson on a key SQL concept or technique, with numerous illustrations and annotated examples. Exercises at the end of each chapter let you practice the skills you learn. With this book, you will:
- Move quickly through SQL basics and learn several advanced features
- Use SQL data statements to generate, manipulate, and retrieve data
- Create database objects, such as tables, indexes, and constraints, using SQL schema statements
- Learn how data sets interact with queries, and understand the importance of subqueries
- Convert and manipulate data with SQL's built-in functions, and use conditional logic in data statements
Knowledge of SQL is a must for interacting with data. With Learning SQL, you'll quickly learn how to put the power and flexibility of this language to work.
For a review copy or more information please email kathrynb@oreilly.com. Please include your delivery address and contact information.
Alan Beaulieu has been designing, building, and implementing custom database applications for over 20 years. He currently runs his own consulting company that specializes in designing Oracle databases and supporting services in the fields of Financial Services and Telecommunications. Alan lives in Massachusetts with his wife and two daughters.
Additional Resources:
For more information about the book, including table of contents, index, author bios, and cover graphic, see:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/9780596520830
Alan Beaulieu
ISBN: 9780596520830, 335 pages, Book Price: $39.99 USD, £30.99 GBP
PDF Price: $31.99 USD
order@oreilly.com
1-800-998-9938
1-707-827-7000
About O’Reilly
O’Reilly Media spreads the knowledge of innovators through its books, online services, magazines, and conferences. Since 1978, O’Reilly Media has been a chronicler and catalyst of cutting-edge development, homing in on the technology trends that really matter and spurring their adoption by amplifying “faint signals” from the alpha geeks who are creating the future. An active participant in the technology community, the company has a long history of advocacy, meme-making, and evangelism.