SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL: 9780321992475: Computer Science Books @ Amazon.com

The book has a quirky sense of humor and really decent examples. I understand why they made the decision not to go with specific RDMSs for their examples, even if that makes going through the book in MySQL really difficult. If I had to do over again I would probably stick to Access to complete the examples and exercises.One big problem I had: The .sql files were somewhat disorganized, and not terribly easy to get to. It took a little while before I could figure out what files needed to be downloaded/applied to my database. It didn't take hours, and to be fair, this information was vaguely referenced in an introductory chapter, but still, it's always nice for a technical book like this to specify what information you should be using and when you are using it, each time examples or exercises start.Update: I downgraded my review from 4 to 3 stars when I reached chapter 15. The errors become very frustrating at the same time the authors introduce the concept of updates. It's very important for a book like this to be well-edited.

Not only does this book give you great examples, it explains the how & why things work like they do.If you want to learn how to create smarter queries, this is the book for you.

Edit 1/10/14: Since my original post, I bumped up the rating to 4 stars, and added the post-scripts at the end. With the next paragraph, my original review starts.I am writing a counterpoint to the high praise that persuaded me to buy this book. There are better books for beginners, like "Language of SQL." And as an intermediate text, I personally didn't like it, though I admit to not ever trying the exercises. The book offers many exercise problems to go with downloadable databases, and if you're willing and able to set yourself up with a SQL application and start practicing, then this book could well be a good purchase. But as someone who would like to take something to lunch to read and learn from, I did not end up with the book I was hoping for. I do not find the writing per se very illuminating, such as for some of the challenging work that can be done in crafting subqueries.So by the way, I can recommend a self-paced MOOC from Stanford that is currently available, perfectly great for someone beyond the beginning stages of SQL. The course info mentions that it is planned to be available through the summer of 2015 at this point, and it can be found by looking for the Stanford course on "Databases." SQL is mini-course number 5.Edit 12/31/14: After seeing more and more positive reviews here, I have been persuaded to go out and get myself set up with MS SQL Server Express and start trying the exercises. Perhaps I will end up pleased with my purchase after all, for reasons I didn't envision when I bought it.Edit 1/10/14: Having set myself up with MS SQL Server Express, I see myself learning much more from the book. I'd say that this book is best studied with a SQL application with the sample databases created by the authors. I'm persuaded to add a star to my original rating.

tried a few other books before coming across this one, and they all fall in to two groups. superficial or overwhelming.SQL for mere mortals, was and is the perfect fit for me. it's gave me working knowledge and strong theoretical background. as it go to great length to explain how and why things work.a good analyst know how to write the query, a supreme analyst, understand how the the query and the whole SQL ecosystem function. SQL for mere mortals, will set you well on the path for being great.

This book offers an excellent introduction to writing SQL queries in a database-neutral way (written to SQL standard). I am approaching SQL from a know-nothing cold start. This book was, clear, methodical, and very approachable and easy to understand. I'm sure it will be an invaluable reference for me as I start to apply what I've learned towards real project work. The book offers a downloadable set of companion sample databases which are an invaluable learning tool. Each chapter builds on the last and uses multiple examples to illustrate the key points of that chapter. Those sample databases are written for MySQL, Microsoft Access, or Microsoft SQL Server. I'm using MySQL so they're perfect for me. Without being able to work through those samples, though, the book would have been harder to grasp - so I highly recommend you install one of those three databases so you can work through the examples as you go (MySQL is FREE).