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Jusvistin
Yak Posting Veteran
81 Posts |
 Posted - 2003-08-07 : 12:53:12
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| What books do you recommend for fledgling Transact-SQL developers ?I've got the MS Press SQL Server 2000 database Design and Implementation (which I'm not all that fond of).Kevin |
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robvolk
Most Valuable Yak
15732 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-07 : 12:58:15
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| The Guru's Guide to Transact-SQLThe Guru's Guide to SQL Server Stored Procedures, XML, and HTMLBoth by Ken Henderson, both equally valuable. If you had to choose only one, get the Transact-SQL book first.Inside SQL Server by Microsoft Press is also an excellent choice. Lots of good advice and in-depth detail.Pretty much anything by Joe Celko if you want to explore what SQL can do (not necessarily T-SQL, but close enough; Joe likes to keep things fairly generic) He's kind of advanced but spends a lot of time discussing what makes a certain design good or bad. |
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Jusvistin
Yak Posting Veteran
81 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-07 : 13:04:44
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| Hello agin,I was seriously considering Kalen's book, I think I'll pick it up.What about the Wrox book by Robert Vieira ?I've got both Ken's books, he moves a little faster than I'm ready to go right now. SQL Server is quite an intimidating beast to newbies, so much to learn.Kevin |
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Amethystium
Aged Yak Warrior
701 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-07 : 13:33:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Jusvistin
Hello agin,I was seriously considering Kalen's book, I think I'll pick it up.What about the Wrox book by Robert Vieira ?I've got both Ken's books, he moves a little faster than I'm ready to go right now. SQL Server is quite an intimidating beast to newbies, so much to learn.Kevin
Don't waste your money mate. If you already have a couple of SQL books I think you should stick with them and use the internet as much as possible. There are hundreds of websites (like this one) dedicated to SQL Server. And if you go to the homepage here you will find tonnes of articles written by other members.----------------Shadow to Light |
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whitesword
Starting Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-07 : 13:37:42
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| That's what I've done. I'm reasonably new to SQL server but have been programming in Access for years. I have read a couple of books on SQL but I have learned more about real-word SQL but reading this forum than most tutorials and books, cause the people here are dealing with REAL problems and REAL solutions and not just hypethecial ones.Makes me quite happy I found this site actually.To all the Yaksters, kepp up the good work. |
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X002548
Not Just a Number
15586 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-07 : 13:48:23
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| Ken's books are great...I certainly didn't think they were a waste...Brian Knights SQL Server Admin 911 is excellent too...Brett8-)SELECT POST=NewId() |
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Amethystium
Aged Yak Warrior
701 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-07 : 13:53:27
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It's all about what you start with. I don't buy too many books. You normally find an e-book version on DirectConnect anyway!  Last week though I went to this book shop because of a massive CLOSING DOWN SALE sign. I found a really cool XML book for £5. Couldn't go wrong with that so I bought it.  ...and how many guesses did you use up Brett?! Just curious. |
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robvolk
Most Valuable Yak
15732 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-07 : 19:56:52
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| Rob Vieira's book is definitely not a waste of money. There is a lot of really good info in it. And you should definitely pick up Inside SQL Server, it's definitely worth it when you are in a bind and need that extra bit of info. For all the information you can find on the internet, it's usually much easier to find in a book. |
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JustinBigelow
SQL Gigolo
1157 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-07 : 21:08:04
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quote:
Rob Vieira's book is definitely not a waste of money
Agreed, I was very happy with the 7.0 version of his book.I can't believe nobody has yet mentioned Books On Line (BOL). The free documentation that comes with SQL Server. Great for examples of T-SQL Syntax, well indexed and searchable. I with programs had a help system as helpful as SQL Server.Justin"Look at it out there orbiting like it's so cool, we will rule it with an army of replicants!" |
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Jusvistin
Yak Posting Veteran
81 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-07 : 21:43:22
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| Sometimes it's just nice to be AWAY from the screen when you're learning something new.BOL doesn't seem as friendly as some of the other sources mentioned.Just my opinion.Kevin |
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Merkin
Funky Drop Bear Fearing SQL Dude!
4970 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-07 : 21:52:19
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You see it when it gets drunk though  Damian |
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byrmol
Shed Building SQL Farmer
1591 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-07 : 22:35:54
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| Kevin,While program specific books are mostly OK for getting things done, nothing beats a good fundamental knowledge of the subject. With this knowledge, you can move between any RDBMS system with only syntax and architecture to worry about.I personally recommend Chris Date's "An Introduction to Database Systems" Currently at Edition 7, it will cost you a small fortune, (AUS$100) but it is a book that will never really go out of date.DavidM"SQL-3 is an abomination.." |
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harshal_in
Aged Yak Warrior
633 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-08 : 01:46:00
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| currently I am reading Inside SQL server its great resource.Too goodThe Judgement of the Judge is as good as the Judge. |
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Jusvistin
Yak Posting Veteran
81 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-08 : 04:51:08
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| I saw Chris Date's book on Amazon for $3.00 used.I hope that doesn't represent it's true value :-)Kevin |
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Andraax
Aged Yak Warrior
790 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-08 : 06:10:04
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| "SQL Server 2000 Database Design", by Louis Davidson (WROX), gives a good ground for designing databases, specifically for SQL2000. Normalization, maintaining data integrity. Good book I think."SQL Server 2000 DTS", by Chaffin, Knight and Robinson (WROX), if you want to learn everything there is on the DTS."MS SQL Server Reference Library", David Iseminger and team (MS PRESS), heavy reading but everything is in here...The mentioned books by Ken Henderson are really great also, as well as Inside SQL Server. And I'm sure there are lots more good books out there... :) |
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Amethystium
Aged Yak Warrior
701 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-08 : 06:27:14
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quote:
Originally posted by robvolk
Rob Vieira's book is definitely not a waste of money. There is a lot of really good info in it.
You are right on this one. I guess I should have specified that one of your two books should be Rob Viera's SQL Server Programming.Definitely a good book but one thing... just one thing.That stupid photo of him on the front cover. Why spoil a good book with it!  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------I enjoy using SQL Server but I am not part of the Microsoft fanboy club! NEVER!! |
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Page47
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker
2878 Posts |
Posted - 2003-08-08 : 07:24:45
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quote:
...nothing beats a good fundamental knowledge of the subject...
Come on, byrmol, you should know from reading Date and Pascal that a database professionals don't actually learn database until they have put in a solid 5 to 10 years of denormalizing, using iterative methods and generally moo'ing to the herd of venders and trade mags ....(I agree with byrmol here, don't waste 5 to 10 years. Pass over any books that are product specific and learn database. Venders come out with new versions every couple years, but the relational model is a bit more consistant. If you understand the model, you can easily apply the knowledge to different DMBSs. Query syntax and vendor specific stuff is junk you can look up (in Books Online for example). I promise, if you read (and understand ... good luck) Date's (or Pascal's) book, you will be lightyears ahead of Joe Schmoe, MCDBA.)Jay White{0} |
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Can you recommend SQL Server 2000 books ?