Learning SQL, Second Edition - New from O'Reilly

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author, contact:
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Learning SQL, Second Edition - New From O'Reilly
Master SQL Fundamentals

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.

Alan Beaulieu has been designing, building, and implementing custom
database applications for over 13 years. He lives in Massachusetts with
his wife and two daughters and can be reached at albeau_mosql@yahoo.com.

For more information about the book, including table of contents, index,
author bios, and samples, see:
http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596520830/

Learning SQL, Second Edition
Alan Beaulieu
ISBN: 978-0-596-52083-0, 320 pages, US $39.99
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