Introduction to SQL: Mastering the Relational Database Language

The Classic SQL Tutorial: Fully Updated for Today’s Standards and Today’s Top Databases

For twenty years, van der Lans’ Introduction to SQL has been the definitive SQL tutorial for database professionals everywhere, regardless of experience or platform. Now van der Lans has systematically updated this classic guide to reflect the latest SQL standards and the newest versions of today’s leading RDBMSs: Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, DB2, and MySQL.

Using case study examples and hands-on exercises, van der Lans illuminates every key SQL concept, technique, and statement. Drawing on decades of experience as an SQL standards team member and enterprise consultant, he reveals exactly why SQL works as it does–and how to get the most out of it. You’ll gain powerful insight into everything from basic queries to stored procedures, transactions to data security. Whether you’re a programmer or DBA, a student or veteran, this book will take you from “apprentice” to true SQL master.

Writing queries and updating data: all you need to know about SELECT

Working with joins, functions, and subqueries

Creating database objects: tables, indexes, views, and more

Specifying keys and other integrity constraints

Using indexes to improve efficiency

Enforcing security via passwords and privileges

Building stored procedures and triggers

Developing with embedded SQL and ODBC

Working with transactions, including rollbacks, savepoints, isolation levels, and more

Optimizing performance by reformulating SQL statements

Using object-relational features: subtables, references, sets, and user-defined data types

Reference section: SQL statement definitions and SQL function lists