Reviews for Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 24 Hours

1. Basic Introduction

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, May 12th, 2009

   This book is a low level introduction to sql. It keeps it language simple and will allow the user to become proficient in sql. It suffers from it's simplicity with some of the explanations of complex ideas like types being less than correct.

2. Short and sweet

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, August 12st, 2008

   I think this is a great little book. It's short and to the point and gets the main principles across. I continue to use this book. It does contain some errors but these didn't put me off as I could only use Access SQL, which you couldn't just cut and paste from the book anyway.

3. good book - too many mistakes

   Rated 3 out of 5 stars, June 12th, 2008

   This book is well written and does explain the basics of sql well - however there are lot of mistakes! I spent a lot of time trying to get examples to work, battling against error messages which I didnt yet understand. Code that is specifically stated to work in MySQL doesnt as it uses incorrect data types. While in some ways it was a good learning experience to see the errors it is irritating when you've payed good money for the book!

4. Nice book for Starting SQL

   Rated 2 out of 5 stars, March 12rd, 2006

   the book is great for anyone wishing to learn SQL like me; the book is maily set out for the Oracle SQL standard. But it covers MySQL, Microsoft and parts of dBase. The main problem with the book it that the number of times you come across errors and mistakes is just to many you could expect. i feel that if the 3rd edition of the book could be proof read so that you could understand it better , it would make a great read.

   This book is set out so you can learn SQL (the basics) in 24 hours, but it feels like the book was written in 24 hours!

5. Obvious Mistakes Make For A Difficult Read

   Rated 2 out of 5 stars, December 12th, 2001

   This book is sadly not much use to a beginner of SQL. There are numerous errors throughout, especially in the examples which don't tally with the relevant text making the examples very difficult. Unfortunately, there are no corrections at the SAMS website either.

   If you are looking for your first SQL book, then you would be better off looking elsewhere.