Reviews for Cost-Based Oracle Fundamentals: v. 1 (Expert's Voice in Oracle)

1. Essential Read

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, October 12th, 2008

   If you want to understand and I mean really understand the oracle CBO, beg borrow or steal this book.
   
   It's an engaging book and very technical in places, which is absolutely how it should be. Any book that discusses the CBO and is not technical, and could be read it whilst watching `Match of the Day' is probably not worth the paper.
   
   Every Oracle Developer, DBA, Data Architect etc should own a copy.
   

2. Best ever Oracle book

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, October 12th, 2007

   This is the best ever oracle book I have read. What was interesting for me the way the test scripts where written down isolating each and every aspects that make up complex task of building the execution plan. I am no DBA but as a developer hard pressed to deliver reports that needs to be running at reasonable time (sometimes ridiculously quick) this book has been a boon for me. My understanding of oracle has gone leaps and bonds. Thanks Jonathan I have recommended this to all my colleagues.

3. Invaluable resource for all Oracle Professionals

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, July 12th, 2007

   Great book for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of how Oracle chooses the best access path to the data.

4. Fantastic coverage of the CBO.

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, May 12th, 2007

   If you are an Oracle DBA interested in Oracle performance, then this is the book for you. I have been a DBA for more than 9 years, and have read many books on the subject of Oracle performance. I can honestly say that "Cost-Based Oracle Fundamentals", along with the Tom Kyte books, are a clear cut above the rest.
   
   Amazingly, more than 400 pages of in depth technical coverage is described as the fundamental level - this serves as a reminder that this book is the first in a series of three, all to be written by Jonathan Lewis.
   
   As you work your way through the book, and examine the test scripts and examples provided, it becomes apparent that Jonathan Lewis has spent many years investigating and testing Oracle, enabling him to be able to share this level of depth and knowledge.
   
   I found that one of the shortest sections - "Appendix A, Upgrade Headaches" was very helpful for my particular day to day role as a DBA. I have always found that there is a fear of what the Optimizer has in store for you, as you upgrade from one version of Oracle to the next. Jonathan Lewis manages to cover off many Optimizer specific changes between the versions that may catch you out. This serves as a very good checklist for any DBA.
   
   Finally, I will be reading this book again, as I need to make sure I have not overlooked anything before the second instalment arrives in the shops!
   
   
   

5. Fundaments for the Advanced

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, May 12th, 2007

   The title of this book may lead some to believe this is a book for beginners. Think again! This is the most advanced and detailed Oracle book I have read. At points I thought that much of the material was unlikely to be of use in real life. However, within a couple of months of reading the book I was able to diagnose and resolve at least two problems that had completely stumped my predecessors. Diagnosing and resolving these problems required an understanding of material found exclusively in this book. As long as you are prepared to invest plenty of time in reading (and rereading) this book your understanding of this most important Oracle component will be transformed.