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 Reference Book for complete beginner

Author  Topic 

chutestrate
Starting Member

17 Posts

Posted - 2013-01-10 : 19:22:12
I could use some advice for where to find any kind of reference material for someone who has never coded before. I followed some bad advice and started a program through skillsoft to learn sql. The concepts are coming on fast and I don't know where to find reference material that I can use. So far my googling and library browsing comes up with reference material that assumes a solid background in some kind of programming. I have none. Aside from asking questions, and I have many, are there any good books for non programmers wanting to learn sql.

And hopefully it would be written in plain language that could lead me to the terms I need to know. Can't tell you how frustrating it is to pick up a book or article with an interesting title see the comment "all you have to do is this..." followed by a bunch of commands that are meaningless right now.

sunitabeck
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

5155 Posts

Posted - 2013-01-10 : 21:18:16
You might try Headfirst books. I liked the style of presentation they used in couple of books that I have looked through: http://headfirstlabs.com/ You can buy their books at any book seller such as amazon.com
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jaytimmons
Starting Member

1 Post

Posted - 2013-01-11 : 13:01:29
SQL for Dummies, 8 in 1
[url]http://www.amazon.com/All---One-Dummies-Allen-Taylor/dp/0470929960/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357925682[/url]

Believe it or not, good book with background for novice, but doesn't stop there. It also moves into more advanced topics.

Another (Microsoft specific) book is Beginning T-SQL with Microsoft SQL Server
[url]http://shop.oreilly.com/product/9780470257036.do[/url]
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Lamprey
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

4614 Posts

Posted - 2013-01-11 : 14:48:16
Depends on what your goals are. If you want to really understand things, I'd suggest (as always) An Itroduction to Database Systems by CJ Date.
http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Database-Systems-8th-Edition/dp/0321197844/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357933376&sr=8-1-fkmr0

That has a lot of "meat" to it. So, if you have trouble sleeping, this book should help. :) However, will give you a solid background on relational calculus and relational theory.

If you are looking for more of some programming tutorials, there is a Joes2Pros series by Rick Morelan that starts with the Beginners book:
http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-SQL-Joes-Pros-Beginners/dp/143925317X/ref=pd_cp_b_0
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shan007
Starting Member

17 Posts

Posted - 2013-01-11 : 14:50:11
I would also prefer 'HeadFirst SQL'. It's a great book for beginners.

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