Practical SQL, 2nd Edition: A Beginner's Guide to Storytelling with Data

Clears all topics in gist

This is one of the better computer manuals for the beginner/general public that I have encountered. The pace is good and fast but he explains everything you need to know in detail -- once. With a big bold heading so you don't miss it. The examples and the writing are crisp and to the point. The code is easy to download and obtain.I first worked through this book on my public library's subscription to the online edition when I realized this was one I needed to buy because I go back to it so much.I also want to add that the physical book is very well made. It holds up to a lot of abuse, has thick pages, good type, and is very well bound. You can spill a full cup of coffee on the thing, you can bend it backwards while reading on the couch with one hand, you can write in black ink all over the pages -- I have done all these things and the book is very much intact. Tough paper and very tough, nearly waterproof cover. I usually feel ripped off when I buy a new book, but not this time.

The book is very easy to read and follow. Although it uses PosgresSQL (which is very good and I recommend to use) the author uses examples for SQL Standard which makes this book a good source of information for any SQL language such as MYSQL.In case you don't use PostgresSQL I recommend you to review at the same time the documentation of the other language you are using, so it will be easier for you to associate the concepts that come in the book.If you already have some experience in school and want to go deeper into databases, this book will give you a very good foundation or at least serve to revisit it every time you want to reinforce a topic.The book is very easy to read and follow. Although it uses PosgresSQL (which is very good and I recommend to use) the author uses examples for SQL Standard which makes this book a good source of information for any SQL language such as MYSQL.In case you don't use PostgresSQL I recommend you to review at the same time the documentation of the other language you are using, so it will be easier for you to associate the concepts that come in the book.If you already have some experience in school and want to go deeper into databases, this book will give you a very good foundation or at least serve to revisit it every time you want to reinforce a topic.In general, it is a good book for beginners or people who want to reinforce their basics.

A good book for people looking to brush up on SQL skills and also pick up a few new ideas.

I was particularly happy with this book. I had already done an online intro to PostgreSQL course, but I wanted something that explained in a bit more detail, and also took things a bit farther into intermediate skills territory. This book fit that quite well.I feel like the author does a very good job of making this a book for all SQL learners, not just those focusing on PostgreSQL. He always mentioned when he is taking about something specific to PostgreSQL, and typically shows a "neutral SQL dialect" alternative when he's talking about something that would only work in PostgreSQL.As with all No Starch Press books that I've encountered, this book does not read like a textbook. Most chapters will take about an hour of read/experimenting to get through, and for me the style was engaging and entertaining throughout.

I appreciate the way DeBarros has written this book in such a way that it breaks down complex concepts into manageable and clear explanations. DeBarros offers numerous real-world examples that demonstrate how SQL can be used to solve everyday data problems. Each chapter builds on the previous one, gradually introducing more advanced topics while reinforcing foundational skills.Definitely recommend for those interested in learning SQL.