Good, for the right reader

That reader wants to use every bell and whistle available, to the the absolute max that the query language has to offer. That reader, however, is dismally aware that different SQL implementations offer different visions of what "the max" is. In order to meet that reader's needs, this book gives the finest level of detail in describing and comparing four commonly used systems. It shows how they differ from each other and from the vendor-neutral standard they hold as a common base. Whether your goal is to embrace or avoid the unique features of each, this presents the experienced SQL-er with their full feature set.

But, if you're trying to learn SQL (or, like me, re-learn it after many years away), this might not meet your needs. It presumes complete mastery of the basics, rather than spelling them out and showing how they work. Decide what you want from an SQL book. This meets some needs extraordinarily well, but really doesn't address others - including mine.

-- wiredweird

Other Reviews

• Good, for the right reader
• Helpful SQL guide regardless of DB vendor
• Excellent reference for the database user
• Found something missing, what is missing that I don't know about?