SQL Book for Beginners to Advanced
SQL: The Complete Reference provides a comprehensive, in-depth treatment of the SQL language for both technical and non-technical users, programmers, data processing professionals, and managers who want to understand the impact of SQL on the computer market. This book offers a conceptual framework for understanding and using SQL describes the history of SQL and SQL standards, and explains the role of SQL in the computer industry today.
It will show you, step-by-step, how to use SQL features, with many illustrations and realistic examples to clarify SQL concepts. The book also compares SQL products from leading DBMS vendors describing their advantages, benefits, and trade-offs to help you select the right product for your application. The accompanying CD contains actual trial versions of five leading SQL databases, so you can try them for yourself and gain experience in using major database products from Oracle, Microsoft, Sybase, Informix, and IBM.
Beginner Level
- “SQL for Dummies” by Allen G. Taylor
- Overview: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to SQL, covering basic concepts and commands. It’s an excellent starting point for beginners with no prior experience.
- Key Topics: SQL fundamentals, creating databases, querying data, joining tables, and using subqueries.
- Buy on Amazon: SQL for Dummies
- “Learning SQL” by Alan Beaulieu
- Overview: A practical guide that teaches the basics of SQL in a clear and concise manner. It includes numerous examples and exercises to reinforce learning.
- Key Topics: Basic queries, data types, functions, joins, and subqueries.
- Buy on Amazon: Learning SQL
- “Head First SQL” by Lynn Beighley
- Overview: This book uses a visually rich format designed to engage your brain, presenting SQL concepts in an interactive and intuitive way.
- Key Topics: Querying databases, joins, subqueries, and creating databases.
- Buy on Amazon: Head First SQL
Intermediate Level
- “SQL in 10 Minutes, Sams Teach Yourself” by Ben Forta
- Overview: This book breaks down SQL into manageable lessons that can be completed in a short time. It’s ideal for those who have a basic understanding of SQL and want to deepen their knowledge.
- Key Topics: Complex queries, data manipulation, and advanced SQL functions.
- Buy on Amazon: SQL in 10 Minutes, Sams Teach Yourself
- “Murach’s SQL Server 2019 for Developers” by Bryan Syverson and Joel Murach
- Overview: A thorough guide focused on SQL Server 2019, providing in-depth coverage of SQL programming, including stored procedures, triggers, and advanced querying techniques.
- Key Topics: Advanced queries, stored procedures, triggers, and SQL Server 2019 features.
- Buy on Amazon: Murach’s SQL Server 2019 for Developers
- “The Practical SQL Handbook: Using SQL Variants” by Judith S. Bowman, Sandra L. Emerson, and Marcy Darnovsky
- Overview: This book offers a practical approach to SQL, including real-world examples and detailed explanations of SQL commands and their uses.
- Key Topics: Advanced queries, database design, and SQL variants.
- Buy on Amazon: The Practical SQL Handbook
Advanced Level
- “SQL Performance Explained” by Markus Winand
- Overview: This book focuses on SQL performance optimization, helping readers understand how to write efficient SQL queries and troubleshoot performance issues.
- Key Topics: Indexing, query optimization, performance tuning, and execution plans.
- Buy on Amazon: SQL Performance Explained
- “SQL Antipatterns: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Database Programming” by Bill Karwin
- Overview: This book explores common SQL mistakes and anti-patterns, offering practical solutions to avoid and fix these issues.
- Key Topics: Common SQL pitfalls, database design flaws, and best practices.
- Buy on Amazon: SQL Antipatterns
- “Pro SQL Server Internals” by Dmitri Korotkevitch
- Overview: A deep dive into SQL Server internals, this book is ideal for advanced users who want to understand the underlying architecture and optimize their SQL Server performance.
- Key Topics: SQL Server architecture, indexing strategies, query optimization, and advanced performance tuning.
- Buy on Amazon: Pro SQL Server Internals