SQL Pocket Guide

By Jonathan Gennick
First Edition  March 2004 
Pages: 160
Series: Pocket References
ISBN 10: 0-596-00512-1 | ISBN 13: 9780596005122
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Book description

This unique reference can be a major help to programmers who use SQL in their day-to-day work. Not just an endless collection of syntax diagrams, this small guide addresses the language's complexity head on and leads by example. The book covers the four commonly used SQL variants--Oracle, IBM DB2, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL. It's a concise reference to frequently used SQL statements and commonly used SQL functions.
Full Description

This pocket guide presents the most crucial information about SQL in a compact and easily accessible format, covering the four commonly used SQL variants--Oracle, IBM DB2, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL. Topics include:
  • Data manipulation statements (SELECT, DELETE, INSERT, UPDATE, MERGE) and transaction control statements (START TRANSACTION, SAVEPOINT, COMMIT, ROLLBACK).
  • Common SQL functions (date, numeric, math, trigonometric, string, conversion, aggregate)
  • Such topics as literals, NULLs, CASE expressions, datatype conversion, regular expressions, grouping and summarizing data, joining tables, and writing queries (hierarchical, recursive, union, flashback) and subqueries.
  • Instead of presenting complex and confusing syntax diagrams, the book teaches by example, showing the SQL statements and options that readers are most like to use. All example data is available on the O'Reilly web site.
"If you need fast, accurate SQL information, with examples for multiple database engines, be sure to check out this book." --Chris Kempster, Senior DBA and author of SQL Server 2000 for the Oracle DBA, www.chriskempster.com

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Like any pocket guide, you can't go wrong.,  November 19 2006
Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
Submitted by Scott Hiser   [Respond | View]

I love the O'Reilly pocket guides. They're like a check list reminder of things you know how to do but sometimes need to take a quick look to jog your memory.

I write a lot of programs and do a lot of consulting. Sometimes I don't touch anything beyond basic SQL statements for months on end. Being like most people in the IT field, we're very busy learning and keeping up with new technologies. Having this as a quick reference is great for leveraging your time and knowledge adaption.

For experienced IT people, a Pocket Guide may eliminate the need for buying any books (For those who don't read the online manuals or subscribe to knowledge services). Hand an experienced script writing a C++ pocket reference and in no time that person will be writing C++ programs.

These are great for beginners to experts.


The little book you keep on your desk,  June 25 2004
Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
Submitted by Douglas Rowe from the Columbia Java Users Group   [Respond | View]

Most people that work in SQL daily, don't need reminders of how to write join, correlate or update queries. But the other 10% of the work you do is where you run into trouble. You know you can do something, you just need to know the syntax. This little gem fills that bill nicely. Concise, clear and with a good index, SQL Pocket Guide gives you what you need. Complex functions are explained and it covers DB2, Oracle, SQL Server and MySQL with good depth. Indispensible.


The little book you keep on your desk,  June 25 2004
Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
Submitted by Douglas Rowe from the Columbia Java Users Group   [Respond | View]

Most people that work in SQL daily, don't need reminders of how to write join, correlate or update queries. But the other 10% of the work you do is where you run into trouble. You know you can do something, you just need to know the syntax. This little gem fills that bill nicely. Concise, clear and with a good index, SQL Pocket Guide gives you what you need. Complex functions are explained and it covers DB2, Oracle, SQL Server and MySQL with good depth. Indispensible.

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Media reviews "If you want just the facts, this is a valuabe portable reference. It is designed for those who have a library of SQL resources, but who need an aide-memoire to keep at hand."
--Major Keary, Book News, 2004 No. 11


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