What is the best way to learn SQL?
-
What is the best way to learn SQL?
-
That would depend on which SQL you mean? Microsoft SQL Server or SQL? One is a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) and the other one is a programming language (Structured English Query Language).
SQL Server uses a form of SQL called Transact-SQL or T-SQL. If you want to learn T-SQL, then I suggest 2 books:
Sams Teach Yourself Transact-SQL in 21 days. It's old, but I've taught many developers T-SQL using that book. It's easy and straight forward. Although JOIN are old style.
After you're done with that, I suggest Advanced Transact-SQL for SQL Server 2000 by Itzik Ben-Gan and Tom Moreau. It's excellent. Teaches you how to translate the old style JOINs you learned in the first book to new style JOINs.
If you want to learn SQL server, I recommend the DBA Survival Guides. There's one for versions 6.5, 7.0 and 2000. Sams puts these out as well and the authors are Mark Spenik and Orryn Sledge. You will need to have the RDBMS software to practice with.
After you master that, I suggest the Inside SQL Server series by Kalen Delaney. They are put out by Microsoft Press and there is one for each version: 6.5, 7.0 and 2000. Extremely dry and technical, but have solved more architecture problems than any other published resource.
Then there's the issue of: Do you know what a Relational Database is? I didn't when I started. So, if you don't, then you need to find a resource to teach you that concept.
-
Thanks for the insight.
I am not very familier with SQL the language. I have set up a few Microsoft SQL servers but they have been a basic install.
I need to get up to date on using the SQL language.
Can you check my understanding of a relational DB is.
I believe it is a database that has mulitple tables that are inter-linked and data can flow from table to table.
A flat database has a single or multiple tables where data is not linked.
Again thanks for the response. It's really nioe to know that there are poeple willing to share their knowledge and not want money.
-
Here is a good link that may help you:
http://www.aspfaq.com/show.asp?id=2423
If you come up with specific questions, ask away!
Good Luck!
Ray Higdon MCSE, MCDBA, CCNA
------------
Ray Higdon MCSE, MCDBA, CCNA -
quote:
I need to get up to date on using the SQL language.So if you are more interested in learning the SQL language, in addition to reading some books on the basic theory of the relational model and T-SQL I suggest you study the example db's that come with SQL Server to get practice
quote:
I believe it is a database that has mulitple tables that are inter-linked and data can flow from table to table.In a relational database all data is organized in tables. These tables could 'potentially' be joined together. In the relational model the logical design is separated from the physical. Execution of a query requires not the use of predefined paths, like pointers.
What do you mean by 'data can flow from table to table'?
quote:
A flat database has a single or multiple tables where data is not linked.Think of a flatfile database as a single Excel spreadsheet. It could only have one 'table structure', ie. have only one table.
To finish, if you got stuck, come back and ask again.
That's time and cost efficient like nothing else.
Frank
--
Frank Kalis
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Webmaster: http://www.insidesql.org/blogs
My blog: http://www.insidesql.org/blogs/frankkalis/[/url] -
Reading will help you understand concepts and theories used in the language. The best way thou to really understand it is to put what you read into practice and and play with your own ideas.
Also pick a database system you are most interested in and become familiar with its' extended language such as T-SQL for MS SQL Server and PL/SQL for Oracle. There are many flavors out there so a basic understanding will give you a point to proceed down but focus will give you knowledge and power to accomplish.
I also suggest you download or request trial software from the vendor you choose MS has a trial copy of SQL 2000 or you can buy the dev edition for $49 when those prices go into effect (they may be now and price is US dollar). Oralce will send you a free developer license copy of its' platform.
But this is the path I see.
1) Read on the base subject - in this case SQL
2) Put into practice
3) Ask questions - return to step 2 as needed, when comfortable proceed
4) Pick a flavor to focus on (each time pick a new one) and return to step 2
-
quote:
Oralce will send you a free developer license copy of its' platform.is this true??? Fully functional or limited?
Or do I have to expect telefone discussions with sales people thereafter?
Frank
--
Frank Kalis
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Webmaster: http://www.insidesql.org/blogs
My blog: http://www.insidesql.org/blogs/frankkalis/[/url] -
Expect no phone and it is limited to 1 user license. Went back today and looks like the CDs are no longer available (cute little ones) but the downloads are at http://otn.oracle.com/software/index.html look under Personal Edition. Used to be a free subscription for OTN back when I signed up but looks like no longer do.
-
quote:
Expect no phone and it is limited to 1 user license. Went back today and looks like the CDs are no longer available (cute little ones) but the downloads are at http://otn.oracle.com/software/index.html look under Personal Edition. Used to be a free subscription for OTN back when I signed up but looks like no longer do.thanks!!
I'm glad that at the office I have a slightly faster connection than 56k.
Frank
--
Frank Kalis
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Webmaster: http://www.insidesql.org/blogs
My blog: http://www.insidesql.org/blogs/frankkalis/[/url] -
Is there anywhere I can download the Impersonal Edition of Oracle?
Dr. Peter Venkman: Generally you don't see that kind of behavior in a major appliance.
Patrick
Quand on parle du loup, on en voit la queue
Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply