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Head First SQL
Anita Kuno writes "On a Sunday, a fellow user-group member suggested I learn SQL. The next day, an opportunity to review Head First SQL arrived in my email.
Who was I to question? Prior to opening the couriered package, I had no knowledge of SQL, I knew databases were important, and I had seen the Head First website
once or twice. Now, I can design and create databases, use mySQL databases, and understand questions and accompanying code posted to forums. The credit goes to Head First SQL's style, which introduces
small bits of information, supported through multiple channels (such as photos with humorous dialogue, stick-men and stick-women, and input from critical
personalities whose photos and input pop up throughout the book) regular tests and exercises so the new bit of data can find a home and settle into
your memory. The regularly tested pieces of information are now in my brain so I don't have to look up
the basic stuff." Read below for the rest of Anita's review.
Head First SQL: A Brain-Friendly Guide
author
Lynn Beighley
pages
xxxv & 571
publisher
O'Reilly Media, Inc.
rating
9
reviewer
Anita Kuno
ISBN
0-596-52684-9
summary
A beginners foundation for SQL
Head First SQL is about RDBMS (databases) specifically mySQL (version 5.0 or newer) and includes features of other databases. The book defines a database, demonstrates how to navigate an existing database, and teaches how to create simple and complex databases, as well as how to let a database grow from simple to complex.
Foundational understanding of database construction and navigation is the focus. The target audience is those brand-new to the topic as well as those with an acquaintance with the subject and the need for a greater conceptual understanding of databases.
It focuses on the basics of databases, so the main information should remain pertinent until RMDBS get re-conceived. I think revisions, such as the reprint due out in December, will add to the strength of the book as typos and coding errors will be addressed.
The title accurately describes the contents and the subtitle "A Brain-Friendly Guide" describes the goal of the approach. The only requirements for working with the material are: a computer or access to one, the ability to identify your operating system, familiarity with downloading from the internet (links and instructions are provided in the book and the program mySQL community release is free (download instructions are given for Mac and Windows users, I believe that instructions for Linux are not included with the assumption Linux users can access the mySQL community release page and download the program without a play-by-play)), and the courage to learn a command line window user interface if you don't already know this.
Head First SQL is most useful to those who, like myself, have heard passing references to databases and other than knowing they are important have no grasp of what it is, means, or can do. Also, this will be a helpful tool for those who have some of the verbiage, enough to pass at a cocktail party, but who would feel the cold chill of horror if expected to design, construct, and implement a database in conjunction with any of their paid responsibilities.
This is the first book that I have read on the subject of databases and the first computer book that I have been able to finish. So much of the educational information about program x, language y, or application z, depends on a working knowledge of the other two variables. This is a great book for beginners. It talks about data types, it explains null, and then has null explain himself. It tells me the importance of the semicolon at the end. All basic stuff. All stuff that other books take for granted. Many times when I believed I wasn't absorbing anything, along came questions I could answer, a crossword I could complete and match-column-A-with-column-B exercises that demonstrated that I was actually learning much more than than I was giving myself credit for.
It includes illustrations, photos, clean layout, and bite sized pieces of information. All this comes from the goal of allowing both sides of the brain access to the information. It's exactly the kind of approach that I need to reinforce the terms and concepts as well as provide encouraging feedback to keep me progressing through the material. I'm also grateful that it entertains me and keeps me going back to finish the whole thing long after the first blush of excitement has worn away.
Links, to the mySQL program necessary to work with the material, are included in the book as well as a few other links in the appendices. The Head First website is a must in order to link to the forums, newsletter, blog and downloadable files to create various tables used in the book. Head First came out with a web app called Hands On SQL which I would encourage you to try. It won't work with all of the book's material but it is a good-looking tool.
You are welcome to read my submissions on the Head First SQL forum. My user name is anita. Also, the reprint that I mentioned above is due to be in stock as of December 3rd. I'm told by O'Reilly that it includes corrections for errata submitted thus far. Take a look at the Head First SQL homepage to download a sample chapter.
You can purchase Head First SQL from amazon.com. Slashdot welcomes readers' book reviews -- to see your own review here, read the book review guidelines, then visit the submission page.
Head First SQL is about RDBMS (databases) specifically mySQL (version 5.0 or newer) and includes features of other databases. The book defines a database, demonstrates how to navigate an existing database, and teaches how to create simple and complex databases, as well as how to let a database grow from simple to complex.
Foundational understanding of database construction and navigation is the focus. The target audience is those brand-new to the topic as well as those with an acquaintance with the subject and the need for a greater conceptual understanding of databases.
It focuses on the basics of databases, so the main information should remain pertinent until RMDBS get re-conceived. I think revisions, such as the reprint due out in December, will add to the strength of the book as typos and coding errors will be addressed.
The title accurately describes the contents and the subtitle "A Brain-Friendly Guide" describes the goal of the approach. The only requirements for working with the material are: a computer or access to one, the ability to identify your operating system, familiarity with downloading from the internet (links and instructions are provided in the book and the program mySQL community release is free (download instructions are given for Mac and Windows users, I believe that instructions for Linux are not included with the assumption Linux users can access the mySQL community release page and download the program without a play-by-play)), and the courage to learn a command line window user interface if you don't already know this.
Head First SQL is most useful to those who, like myself, have heard passing references to databases and other than knowing they are important have no grasp of what it is, means, or can do. Also, this will be a helpful tool for those who have some of the verbiage, enough to pass at a cocktail party, but who would feel the cold chill of horror if expected to design, construct, and implement a database in conjunction with any of their paid responsibilities.
This is the first book that I have read on the subject of databases and the first computer book that I have been able to finish. So much of the educational information about program x, language y, or application z, depends on a working knowledge of the other two variables. This is a great book for beginners. It talks about data types, it explains null, and then has null explain himself. It tells me the importance of the semicolon at the end. All basic stuff. All stuff that other books take for granted. Many times when I believed I wasn't absorbing anything, along came questions I could answer, a crossword I could complete and match-column-A-with-column-B exercises that demonstrated that I was actually learning much more than than I was giving myself credit for.
It includes illustrations, photos, clean layout, and bite sized pieces of information. All this comes from the goal of allowing both sides of the brain access to the information. It's exactly the kind of approach that I need to reinforce the terms and concepts as well as provide encouraging feedback to keep me progressing through the material. I'm also grateful that it entertains me and keeps me going back to finish the whole thing long after the first blush of excitement has worn away.
Links, to the mySQL program necessary to work with the material, are included in the book as well as a few other links in the appendices. The Head First website is a must in order to link to the forums, newsletter, blog and downloadable files to create various tables used in the book. Head First came out with a web app called Hands On SQL which I would encourage you to try. It won't work with all of the book's material but it is a good-looking tool.
You are welcome to read my submissions on the Head First SQL forum. My user name is anita. Also, the reprint that I mentioned above is due to be in stock as of December 3rd. I'm told by O'Reilly that it includes corrections for errata submitted thus far. Take a look at the Head First SQL homepage to download a sample chapter.
You can purchase Head First SQL from amazon.com. Slashdot welcomes readers' book reviews -- to see your own review here, read the book review guidelines, then visit the submission page.
why does this reads so much like an add for the book ?
Just saying it like it are.
This sounds like a good intro book but nothing of use to a seasoned DBA. It reads as though you gain basic knowledge of the subject of SQL and some basic mySQL syntax but the day-to-day operations of a database are probably not covered since those are very version specific and generally done with odd T-SQL statements or GUI interface.
It sounds like a learn SQL in 24 hours book more than a SQL cookbook type resource, may be good for a developer who is starting out in the relational database world but I don't think DBAs will get much. At least, not from what the reviewer says.
Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what your country did to you
On a Sunday, a fellow user-group member suggested I learn SQL...
Now, I can design and create databases
Database design and creation isn't something you pick up over 3 days. Sure, you can make something that works very quickly, but that doesn't mean it's a good design and isn't flawed. Designing a good database structure takes experience with the tradeoffs between full normalazation and added complexity, forseeing future needs, etc.
AccountKiller
"This is the first book that I have read on the subject of databases and the first computer book that I have been able to finish."
Sounds like your aversage Slashdotter, doesn't it?
How does one go about just getting technical books mailed to their home for review?
It's hard to believe that's how Micronians are made. Why don't we see it right now by having you both kiss one another?
another person that learned database work from a book. Just what we needed.
The Kruger Dunning explains most post on
Prior to opening the couriered package, I had no knowledge of SQL ... Now, I can design and create databases
As a database designer/developer who occasionally does DBA duties as well I initially found this quote terrifying in the extreme. But as long as this experimenting about is done on your own PC for at least the next few months, it's great that you're getting a start on a new (to you) class of software tools. Way too many people plough on using spreadsheets where they should be using at least Access. I encourage anyone with accountant or small business owning friends to pass on this review.
[pedantic mode: on]
Had a hard time with the blurb for that matter. if you are going to mention the name of a product several times, please learn how it's written!
MySQL
Not mySQL. For that matter, not mySQL, MYSQL, MY-SQL, or mSQL (that's another program actually)
It's all over their website. Something that simple will help keep you from sounding amateurish as a reviewer.
[pedantic mode: off]
Personally, I stand by 'Database Systems' by Connolly and Begg. Not simple, not for newbies but it coveres everything you need to know including doing ER diagrams for your structure... something every DB admin needs to do more of.
This is my sig. There are many like it but this one is mine.
However, as a DBA and DB dev myself, I know one person that I am personally going to buy this book for, maybe as a Christmas present.
My boss, of course! I spend hours per week trying to explain to him why I do things certain ways. This is because he has a slight technical background in SAP, and has just enough knowledge to be dangerous. I would love for him to read this book, it may save me some agro.
I'm in to sadism, bestiality and necrophilia. Am I flogging a dead horse?
Head First! Apply directly to the SQL!
Head First! Apply directly to the SQL!
HEAD FIRST! APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE SQL!
Okay, I didn't say it was a good ad for the book...
- None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
I saw this book a Borders and have recommended it to the Network Support Technicians at my company. These guys run our helpdesk and often refer basic questions about network performance to me. I've created a bunch of systems that store data for reports in mysql (current status, roundtrip response time, throughput, usage etc.). People are often amazed that I'm able to produce ad-hoc charts and tables about all sorts of aspects of the network's well-being. All I'm doing is simple queries on simple data and if this book helps others in my organization to query the data in even the most basic way, it will have been well worthwhile.
I find that more rigorous books sit on the shelf and never get read. These guys don't want to be DBAs or to design a database, they just want to be able to find out simple information.
I want to encourage them to at least start into this field, not just because it's career-expanding for them, but also because the more these tools get accepted, the less grief I'll get from management for implementing in-house the things we needed in the first place.
Nullius in verba
IMO that sort of thinking is a mistake. It actually comes from the desire to cut down on planning time because management sees it as dead weight. And worse, people designing databases who have no clue what they are doing mathematically speaking.
In general, I have found that every hour of planning time spent tends to eliminate up to 10 hours of coding, and often as much as 100 hours of pre- and post-release re-engineering and bug fixing.
The goal ought to be to optimize time and expenses across the entire software lifecycle rather than cutting down on the most important places where time gets spent (on the design). This generally means spending more time on design, less on buzzword-compliance, and less on actual coding. If you do it right, testing and debugging effort go *down* as well.
Instead people end up with bloated monstrosities when better-designed products could have been built with less time an money.
LedgerSMB: Open source Accounting/ERP
It would be helpful to include your own background when doing a review. While I know not everyone works with SQL every day, it might help to put the review into context if we knew what level of technical or development experience the reviewer had. It would make it easier to possibly recommend the book to others if we knew what background the reviewer had in relation to those we might possibly recommend the book to.
If you don't understand anything I post, please accept that I ate paste as a small boy...