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The Language of SQL
The Language of SQL, Second Edition
Many SQL texts attempt to serve as an encyclopedic reference on SQL syntax -- an approach that is often counterproductive, because that information is readily available in online references published by the major database vendors.
For SQL beginners, it’s more important for a book to focus on general concepts and to offer clear explanations and examples of what various SQL statements can accomplish. This is that book.
A number of features make The Language of SQL unique among introductory SQL books.
First, you will not be required to download software or sit with a computer as you read the text. The intent of this book is to provide examples of SQL usage that can be understood simply by reading.
Second, topics are organized in an intuitive and logical sequence. SQL keywords are introduced one at a time, allowing you to grow your understanding as you encounter new terms and concepts.
Finally, this book covers the syntax of three widely used Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle. Special “Database Differences” sidebars clearly show you any differences in syntax among these three databases, and instructions are included on how to obtain and install free versions of the databases.
This is the only book you need to gain a quick working knowledge of SQL and relational databases.
Learn How To... Contents at a Glance
1 Relational Databases and SQL 2 Basic Data Retrieval 3 Calculated Fields and Aliases 4 Using Functions 5 Sorting Data 6 Selection Criteria 7 Boolean Logic 8 Conditional Logic 9 Summarizing Data 10 Subtotals and Crosstabs 11 Inner Joins 12 Outer Joins 13 Self Joins and Views 14 Subqueries 15 Set Logic 16 Stored Procedures and Parameters 17 Modifying Data 18 Maintaining Tables 19 Principles of Database Design 20 Strategies for Displaying Data
A Getting Started with Microsoft SQL Server B Getting Started with MySQL C Getting Started with Oracle
Many SQL texts attempt to serve as an encyclopedic reference on SQL syntax -- an approach that is often counterproductive, because that information is readily available in online references published by the major database vendors.
For SQL beginners, it’s more important for a book to focus on general concepts and to offer clear explanations and examples of what various SQL statements can accomplish. This is that book.
A number of features make The Language of SQL unique among introductory SQL books.
First, you will not be required to download software or sit with a computer as you read the text. The intent of this book is to provide examples of SQL usage that can be understood simply by reading.
Second, topics are organized in an intuitive and logical sequence. SQL keywords are introduced one at a time, allowing you to grow your understanding as you encounter new terms and concepts.
Finally, this book covers the syntax of three widely used Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle. Special “Database Differences” sidebars clearly show you any differences in syntax among these three databases, and instructions are included on how to obtain and install free versions of the databases.
This is the only book you need to gain a quick working knowledge of SQL and relational databases.
Learn How To... Contents at a Glance
1 Relational Databases and SQL 2 Basic Data Retrieval 3 Calculated Fields and Aliases 4 Using Functions 5 Sorting Data 6 Selection Criteria 7 Boolean Logic 8 Conditional Logic 9 Summarizing Data 10 Subtotals and Crosstabs 11 Inner Joins 12 Outer Joins 13 Self Joins and Views 14 Subqueries 15 Set Logic 16 Stored Procedures and Parameters 17 Modifying Data 18 Maintaining Tables 19 Principles of Database Design 20 Strategies for Displaying Data
A Getting Started with Microsoft SQL Server B Getting Started with MySQL C Getting Started with Oracle
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2010
37 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 6, 2015
I'm no IT professional but I've experienced a number of steep learning curves working with data sets. Before buying this book I'd previously read 'Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes' and 'SQL Queries for Mere Mortals' (third edition). Even though 'The Language of SQL' is over 500 pages shorter than the latter, it has yielded for me a new-found confidence. Only now, after having read through all the chapters on data retrieval (its main focus), do I feel I have the footing to begin to really tackle complex queries.
For newcomers to SQL, I can only imagine that this book is the perfect first choice. If you've already been around a bit but come out the worse for wear then you'd do well to return to square one and allow Larry Rockoff to elucidate the fundamentals - chances are you'll be better grounded for it. I've found that SQL is just like any ordinary language in that fluency is tantamount to a mastery of the grammar. This book aims to teach just that: the logical intent which glues every SQL statement together. And the game plan is executed superbly.
The writing style is remarkably economical and I was wary of omissions in the beginning. It turns out though that a bare-bones approach is ideal in this case as it actually serves to unravel tricks which may otherwise remain obscured; I was surprised to find how helpful it is just to have all the tools taken out of the box and clearly laid out in a well-considered, intelligent way. No sub-section occupies more than a page or two but the content is so effective that no extra space is needed to house an excellent coverage of the basics.
To be clear, the many examples in the book are there for illustration purposes only - this isn't the right choice for complex code analysis (I'd recommend the aforementioned 'Mere Mortals' title for that). A project like that doesn't really involve adding anything new to the underlying logic of SQL, so including such a layer in this book would detract from its focus and clarity I think. In any case, you need to walk before you can run, and if you want to go the distance then you better be in shape - this is the go-to book for building that foundation and then some.
P.S. I use Microsoft Access and it's easy to get around the syntax differences using good reference material.
For newcomers to SQL, I can only imagine that this book is the perfect first choice. If you've already been around a bit but come out the worse for wear then you'd do well to return to square one and allow Larry Rockoff to elucidate the fundamentals - chances are you'll be better grounded for it. I've found that SQL is just like any ordinary language in that fluency is tantamount to a mastery of the grammar. This book aims to teach just that: the logical intent which glues every SQL statement together. And the game plan is executed superbly.
The writing style is remarkably economical and I was wary of omissions in the beginning. It turns out though that a bare-bones approach is ideal in this case as it actually serves to unravel tricks which may otherwise remain obscured; I was surprised to find how helpful it is just to have all the tools taken out of the box and clearly laid out in a well-considered, intelligent way. No sub-section occupies more than a page or two but the content is so effective that no extra space is needed to house an excellent coverage of the basics.
To be clear, the many examples in the book are there for illustration purposes only - this isn't the right choice for complex code analysis (I'd recommend the aforementioned 'Mere Mortals' title for that). A project like that doesn't really involve adding anything new to the underlying logic of SQL, so including such a layer in this book would detract from its focus and clarity I think. In any case, you need to walk before you can run, and if you want to go the distance then you better be in shape - this is the go-to book for building that foundation and then some.
P.S. I use Microsoft Access and it's easy to get around the syntax differences using good reference material.
January 22, 2021
This review is for the second edition. Generally very well written with clear and concise explanations. I would not recommend this as a first book for beginners. Instead, this is, in my opinion, an intermediate book that assumes the user is already working with a database and needs to know more about interacting with it. With this in mind, the heavy focus on SELECT statements makes sense. Highly recommended as a gorilla introduction to tools that will expand your SQL toolbox.
My only complaints are:
- Move the the notes about Oracle and MYSQL differences to the front of sections, not the back. It’s extremely annoying to read about something as cool as cross-tab queries and then hear your system doesn’t support them.
- Expand chapter 16’s discussion on procedures and parameters. There are a number of places where the author decides that a fuller discussion is too complex for the scope of the book, but that determination is artificial and leaves the reader with a half-picture at best. There are logical questions (like returning a parameter from a procedure) that may be difficult but that are worth struggling through and for which the author has already laid the foundations within the chapter.
- Chapter 20’s discussion on Excel pivot tables is a waste of space. It would have been enough to remind the reader that pivot tables exist and refer them to the online documentation - as he does at one point with Oracle. It would be a better, more useful SQL book if SQL topics were expanded and it didn’t suddenly veer into trying to double as a crash course in Excel at the last moment.
Overall still highly recommended and worth the money.
My only complaints are:
- Move the the notes about Oracle and MYSQL differences to the front of sections, not the back. It’s extremely annoying to read about something as cool as cross-tab queries and then hear your system doesn’t support them.
- Expand chapter 16’s discussion on procedures and parameters. There are a number of places where the author decides that a fuller discussion is too complex for the scope of the book, but that determination is artificial and leaves the reader with a half-picture at best. There are logical questions (like returning a parameter from a procedure) that may be difficult but that are worth struggling through and for which the author has already laid the foundations within the chapter.
- Chapter 20’s discussion on Excel pivot tables is a waste of space. It would have been enough to remind the reader that pivot tables exist and refer them to the online documentation - as he does at one point with Oracle. It would be a better, more useful SQL book if SQL topics were expanded and it didn’t suddenly veer into trying to double as a crash course in Excel at the last moment.
Overall still highly recommended and worth the money.
May 24, 2021
Deliver what it was promised
The book is well written with clear language and with very illustrated examples. I really liked that most of the chapters are focused on the use of the database and just the last few focused on the creation and maintenance. This is a great book, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
The book is well written with clear language and with very illustrated examples. I really liked that most of the chapters are focused on the use of the database and just the last few focused on the creation and maintenance. This is a great book, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
May 21, 2022
This was good!
As someone who uses SQL daily, this was a good book.
I can't say I learned too much, as I (again, use it every day), but I may have gotten a few tips here and there, and enjoyed reading the book in general.
Would recommend for those looking to get better at SQL.
3.9/5
As someone who uses SQL daily, this was a good book.
I can't say I learned too much, as I (again, use it every day), but I may have gotten a few tips here and there, and enjoyed reading the book in general.
Would recommend for those looking to get better at SQL.
3.9/5
September 29, 2019
Easy to grasp the basics
November 7, 2015
If you are wanting to start out with SQL then this is the best resource I have found. This because it drives hard at the fundamentals of what the language is doing and how that translates to the data you receive.
It's only once you understand this that you can then use most of the other variant specific language guides, books and forums.
Don't be fooled by it's simplicity; this is one of the best education resources out there. Experienced SQL users can also really benefit by dipping back into the more complex topics to make sure they are still clear on what is happening when they request data.
It's only once you understand this that you can then use most of the other variant specific language guides, books and forums.
Don't be fooled by it's simplicity; this is one of the best education resources out there. Experienced SQL users can also really benefit by dipping back into the more complex topics to make sure they are still clear on what is happening when they request data.
November 12, 2012
The author pretty well in explaining syntax differences between MSSQL, MySQL, and Oracle.
As this book intended, it gradually explain simple data retrieval (select, sorting, aliasing), then into more complex ones (inner-outer-self join, subqueries), and using stored procedures. The end part of this book explain table maintaining and principles of database design.
Good one for novices like me, computer-illiterate people who need insight of data retrieval without proper background knowledge.
As this book intended, it gradually explain simple data retrieval (select, sorting, aliasing), then into more complex ones (inner-outer-self join, subqueries), and using stored procedures. The end part of this book explain table maintaining and principles of database design.
Good one for novices like me, computer-illiterate people who need insight of data retrieval without proper background knowledge.
March 3, 2012
If you need basics of the SQL language and a little theory, it's an okay source for that purpose. Not to be relied on for more heavy knowledge, but explains data retrieval well enough to be used as a minor reference.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews