Language of SQL, The

Language of SQL, The book cover

Language of SQL, The

$29.99

SKU: 9780134658254
Quantity Discount
5 + $22.49
Add to wishlist

Description

A quick, clearly written introduction to the use of SQL to store and retrieve information

  • Offers a high-level introduction at a reasonable price
  • Utilizes a language-based approach that allows readers to learn SQL as they would learn English
  • Updated examples work with the latest versions of Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL

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 organised 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 databases: Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle. Special “Database Differences” sidebars clearly show you any differences in syntax among these three databases.

  • Use SQL to retrieve data from relational databases
  • Apply functions and calculations to data
  • Group and summarise data in a variety of useful ways
  • Use complex logic to retrieve only the data you need
  • Update data and create new tables
  • Design relational databases so that data retrieval is easy and intuitive
  • Use spreadsheets to transform your data into meaningful displays
  • Retrieve data from multiple tables via joins, subqueries, views, and set logic
  • Create, modify, and execute stored procedures
  • Install Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, or Oracle
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 databases: 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…

  • Use SQL to retrieve data from relational databases
  • Apply functions and calculations to data
  • Group and summarize data in a variety of useful ways
  • Use complex logic to retrieve only the data you need
  • Update data and create new tables
  • Design relational databases so that data retrieval is easy and intuitive
  • Use spreadsheets to transform your data into meaningful displays
  • Retrieve data from multiple tables via joins, subqueries, views, and set logic 
  • Create, modify, and execute stored procedures
  • Install Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, or Oracle

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

LARRY ROCKOFF has been involved with SQL and business intelligence development for many years. His primary area of interest is using reporting tools to explore and analyze data in complex databases. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, with a specialization in Management Science. He currently works with data warehouse and reporting applications for a major retail pharmacy. He also maintains a website that features book reviews on technology topics, focusing on analytics and business intelligence as well as broader societal issues at  larryrockoff.com

• First edition of this strong-selling book has sold over 14,000 copies since 2010. 
• Utilizes a language-based approach that allows the user to learn SQL as they would learn English
• Updated examples work with the latest versions of Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL
The Language of SQL, 2nd Edition

Introduction

   Topics and Features
   What’s New in the Second Edition
   Plan of the Book
   Companion Website

1. Relational Databases and SQL

   What Is SQL?
   Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle
   Relational Databases
   Primary and Foreign Keys 
   Datatypes
   NULL Values
   The Significance of SQL

2. Basic Data Retrieval

   A Simple SELECT
   Syntax Notes
   Comments
   Specifying Columns 
   Column Names with Embedded Spaces
   Preview of the Full SELECT
3. Calculated Fields and Aliases
   Literal Values
   Arithmetic Calculations
   Concatenating Fields
   Column Aliases
   Table Aliases
4. Using Functions
   What Is a Function?
   Character Functions
   Composite Functions
   Date/Time Functions
   Numeric Functions
   Conversion Functions
5. Sorting Data
   Sorting in Ascending Order
   Sorting in Descending Order
   Sorting by Multiple Columns
   Sorting by a Calculated Field
   Sort Sequences
6. Selection Criteria
   Applying Selection Criteria
   WHERE Clause Operators
   Limiting Rows
   Limiting Rows with a Sort
   Pattern Matching
   Wildcards

7. Boolean Logic

   Complex Logical Conditions
   The AND Operator
   The OR Operator
   Using Parentheses
   Multiple Sets of Parentheses
   The NOT Operator
   The BETWEEN Operator
   The IN Operator
   Boolean Logic and NULL Values
8. Conditional Logic
   The CASE Expression
   The Simple CASE Format
   The Searched CASE Format
   Conditional Logic in ORDER BY Clauses
   Conditional Logic in WHERE Clauses
9. Summarizing Data
   Eliminating Duplicates
   Aggregate Functions
   The COUNT Function
   Grouping Data
   Multiple Columns and Sorting
   Selection Criteria on Aggregates
   Conditional Logic in GROUP BY Clauses
   Conditional Logic in HAVING Clauses
   Ranking Functions
   Partitions

10. Subtotals and Crosstabs

    Adding Subtotals with ROLLUP
    Adding Subtotals with CUBE
    Creating Crosstab Layouts

11. Inner Joins

    Joining Two Tables
    The Inner Join
    Table Order in Inner Joins
    An Alternate Specification of Inner Joins
    Table Aliases Revisited
12. Outer Joins
    The Outer Join
    Left Joins
    Testing for NULL Values
    Right Joins
    Table Order in Outer Joins
    Full Joins
    Cross Joins

13. Self Joins and Views

    Self Joins
    Creating Views
    Referencing Views
    Benefits of Views
    Modifying and Deleting Views

14. Subqueries

    Types of Subqueries
    Using a Subquery as a Data Source
    Using a Subquery in Selection Criteria
    Correlated Subqueries
    The EXISTS Operator
    Using a Subquery as a Calculated Column
    Common Table Expressions

15. Set Logic

    Using the UNION Operator
    Distinct and Non-Distinct Unions
    Intersecting Queries
16. Stored Procedures and Parameters
    Creating Stored Procedures
    Parameters in Stored Procedures
    Executing Stored Procedures
    Modifying and Deleting Stored Procedures
    Functions Revisited

17. Modifying Data

    Modification Strategies
    Inserting Data
    Deleting Data
    Updating Data
    Correlated Subquery Updates

18. Maintaining Tables

    Data Definition Language
    Table Attributes
    Table Columns
    Primary Keys and Indexes
    Foreign Keys
    Creating Tables
    Creating Indexes
19. Principles of Database Design
    Goals of Normalization
    How to Normalize Data
    The Art of Database Design
    Alternatives to Normalization
20. Strategies for Displaying Data
    Crosstab Layouts Revisited
    Excel and External Data
    Excel Pivot Tables
A. Getting Started with Microsoft SQL Server
   Installing SQL Server 2016 Express
   Installing SQL Server 2016 Management Studio Express
   Using SQL Server 2016 Management Studio Express
B. Getting Started with MySQL
   Installing MySQL on Windows
   Installing MySQL on Mac
   Using MySQL Workbench
C. Getting Started with Oracle
   Installing Oracle Database Express Edition
   Using Oracle Database Express Edition 
Updated coverage of the most recent versions of the three major databases:
• Microsoft SQL Server 2016
• MySQL version 5.7
• Oracle 12c
The first edition of this title has been taken out of print by its original publisher, Cengage, after a change in strategic direction, leaving many instructors and readers in the lurch. 

Additional information

Dimensions 27.56 × 271.65 × 350.39 in
Series

Imprint

Format

ISBN-13

ISBN-10

Author

BISAC

Subjects

SQLite, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle 12c, SQL Server 2016, boolean logic, boolean, normalization, relational databases, structured query language, DBMS, databases, Postgresql, professional, queries, MySQL, mysql 5.7, SQL Server, SQL, COM051170, Y-AY PROFESS OPEN SOURCE DEV, IT Professional, Employability, higher education, oracle