Transact-SQL Desk Reference: For Microsoft SQL Server

This command reference, designed for users of all levels, provides a user-friendly guide to the SQL database programming language. All commands will be listed alphabetically by functional area -- ideal for beginners who can locate commands based on the tasks they are trying to accomplish. In addition, the author has included a "roadmap" listing commands in alphabetical order at the front of the book that is ideal for more advanced users who know the command name and simply need to know a page number. Each command will include a hands-on example. The book reflects the new SQL standard, and should be one of the very first books on the market. Author includes extensive examples for Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server implementations. This 6x9 reference is the perfect companion to Bowman's Practical SQL Handbook and is design to fit on the busy Database Developer's desk.

Customer Reviews:

Scott Hill

By Scott Hill - December 22, 2003

Excellent examples and clear explanations. 12/22/2003This book is exactly what I was looking for, an extension of Books Online with extra clear examples and explanations. Books Online is often still my first reference because it is convenient and does an excellent job. But when I need a second source for more information I now turn to Transact-SQL Desk Reference. If I still don't find what I need then I have to go to user groups or other external sources, but so far that has only happened once. The tutorial in the first chapter is a nice overview for those who need it, but an advanced user can skip past it and go straight to the reference material starting in Chapter 2. The index is excellent and so far has never failed to put me in the right place to find what I want. I particularly like the extra examples of how to use different features. And the explanation of how to do disk layout to help restorability and performance is well beyond what I expected in a reference book. I... read more

Very Good Content - Not So Good Index

By Brian Dorman - January 7, 2005

This book is exactly what it's title says, it's a reference book. If you need brief descriptions and syntax for T-SQL statements and functions, this is a great book to have on your book shelf. However, the index is very weak. It is essentially an alphabetical listing of functions, so you need to know the name of a function to find it. For example, if you wanted to add an INDEX to a table, you would probably look under "I" for "INDEX.". But, you wouldn't find what you were looking for. You would need to look under "C" because the function is "CREATE INDEX." But, if you know what you are looking for, you'll find it in this book.

Great reference

By S. Heath - April 2, 2005

The back of this book claims that "This is the SQL reference you'll reach for first!" and I can personally support their claim. It is easily the best organized SQL reference that I have encountered. It contains alphabetical listings of all SQL data types and their related functions, in-depth instruction on data definition (create, alter, drop, etc.) and comprehensive descriptions and examples of all data manipulation methods (insert, update, delete, etc.).

The only possible drawback of this book is that it is not, nor is it intended to be, an instruction manual for SQL. The book cuts right to the point, and only tells you exactly what you need to know. For beginners, this book would not be a good starting point, but for people with at least some exposure to SQL, this book will probably never leave your desk.