Top 10 SQL Books List
SQL (Structured Query Language) is a fundamental language for managing and manipulating relational databases. It performs various operations, including creating or altering tables, adding, updating, removing data, and retrieving information through queries. Many SQL books cover everything from basic SQL queries to advanced optimization and performance tuning techniques. In this context, we will discuss some of the top SQL books that cover different aspects of SQL and database management and provide valuable insights and techniques for readers to become proficient in SQL.
Key Highlights
- The books cover the fundamental concepts of SQL and how to manage a relational database. It includes hands-on exercises and examples to help readers understand SQL syntax and database concepts.
- Essential resource for anyone working with large databases and looking to optimize query performance.
- Provides a thought-provoking read that challenges readers to think deeply about the logic and design of their SQL queries and databases.
List of Top 10 SQL Books
Below is the given list to get you started.
| Sr. No. | Books | Author | Published |
Rating |
| 1. | SQL Cookbook | Anthony Molinaro | 2006 | Amazon: 4.6
Goodreads: 4.01 |
| 2. | SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL | John Viescas | 2018 | Amazon:4.5
Goodreads:4.0 |
| 3. | Learning SQL: Master SQL Fundamentals | Alan Beaulieu | 2009 | Amazon: 4.2
Goodreads: 3.9 |
| 4. | SQL Quickstart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to SQL | Walter Shields | 2015 | Amazon:4.1
Goodreads: 4.3 |
| 5. | Head First SQL: Your Brain on SQL — A Learner’s Guide | Lynn Beighley | 2007 | Amazon: 4.4
Goodreads: 4.0
|
| 6. | SQL Practice Problems: 57 Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Challenges for You to Solve Using a “Learn-by-doing” Approach | Sylvia Moestl Vasilik |
2016 |
Amazon 4.4
Goodreads- 4.02 |
| 7. | SQL Antipatterns: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Database Programming | Bill Karwin | 2010 | Amazon 4.5 Goodreads -4.0
|
| 8. | SQL Database Programming | Chris Fehily | 2015 | Amazon 4.7
Goodreads- 3.7 |
| 9. | SQL Pocket Guide 3e: A Guide to SQL Usage (Pocket Guides) | Jonathan Gennick | 2010 | Amazon:4.6
Goodreads: 3.9 |
| 10. | Oracle PL/SQL Programming | Steven Feuerstein, Bill Pribyl | 2014 | Amazon: 4.5
Goodreads: 3.9
|
Let us discuss the reviews and takeaways of the SQL books:-
1. SQL Cookbook (O’Reilly)
Author: Anthony Molinaro
Book Review
“SQL Cookbook” is an excellent resource for SQL developers who want to solve complex SQL problems and expand their knowledge of database management. The book covers various SQL topics, from basic queries to advanced techniques like window functions and recursive queries. The author presents real-world scenarios and provides solutions to common SQL problems you will likely encounter in your work.
A must-read if you want to be equipped with robust tools to fasten your SQL knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- Overlays content such as working with multiple books, metadata queries, investigating future rows, etc.
- Features elements such as SQL server’s PIVOT, oracle’s MODEL clause, and inter-row calculations in a that is easily understood and easy to follow.
- Get to know about different SQL databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL server, etc.
2. SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL
Author: John Viescas
Book Review
A book renowned for its simple and precise tutorial for letting beginners, as well as advanced readers, enjoy its content without many complexities. Take a deep dive into trying challenging conditions on one table, creating unlinked tables and sophisticated reporting to get your thinking cap going.
Key Takeaways
- The examples mentioned in the book are beneficial for people new to databases and the book highlights the use of DML a lot.
- Gives a general guide for relational databases, SQL basics, and techniques applicable for efficiently managing tables.
- Learn data partitioning into Windows, and practice on sample databases relevant today in various SQL operational databases.
3. Learning SQL: Master SQL Fundamentals
Author: Alan Beaulieu
Book Review
This a time-saving, information-packed read for the senior programmers on the lookout for enhancing their knowledge. It stays in touch with the roots of SQL by depicting how the present is linked with the past. Get in on the exercises available after each chapter to excel more in the intricacies of SQL.
Key Takeaways
- Guides you through content on nonrelational database systems, creating and populating a database, and modifying tabled through relative ease.
- The content is classified into subtopics and diagrams for proper understanding and the writing style is easy to grasp.
4. SQL: QuickStart Guide – The Simplified Beginner’s Guide To SQL
Author: Walter Shields
Book Review
Made especially by keeping the beginners in mind and tackles the problem of using basic SQL to get a headstart in retrieving data from even large databases with ease. A quick, illustrious, and to-the-point book meant for all looking to get their hands dirty along with the hands-on practice questions to strengthen their basics like never before.
Key Takeaways
- Has a lot of key points mentioned about getting started with queries, using joins with an alias, writing queries with a variety of functions, etc.
- Contains advanced features like using subqueries with aggregate functions, data manipulation language basics, and creating views from joins.
5. Head First SQL
Author: Lynn Beighley
Book Review
Get ready to be bombarded with the mad hatter of SQL which is sure to leave you puzzled with curiosity and with a deep firing urge to get to the next chapter with record-fast speed. Level up your SQL skills if you are a novice with a peculiar way of writing to keep you hooked on your seat.
Key Takeaways
- Packed with illustrations and pictures to keep the information in while simultaneously trying to entertain you.
- Brief descriptions of smart table designs, multi-table data designs, and a clear view of constraints, views, and transactions.
- Suitable for people looking to get the best of SQL and make the most out of learning the basics.
6. SQL Practice Problems
Author: Sylvia Moestl Vasilik
Book review
This an introductory practice book for seasoned beginners to channel their energy into more practice questions for developing their skills to a tee. This a fun and innovative approach for entry-level SQL enthusiasts to keep doing challenging problems for upgrading their quick thinking.
Key takeaways
- Not a lot of spoon-feeding is done in terms of giving answers to the questions so that the learner stays agile.
- Questions comprising daily business acumen and daily workplace challenges right at your doorstep activate your logical skills.
7. SQL Antipatterns: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Database Programming
Author: Bill Karwin
Book review
Learning the right things from a trusted source is easy but following the pitfalls and then learning from it is tough and that’s exactly what the writer brings in this edition with his twenty years of experience in relational databases and MSSQL.
Key takeaways
- Highlights the antipatterns in formatting comma-separated lists, depending on one’s parent in hierarchies, leaving the constraints in database architecture, etc.
- The book dived into the objective of a problem followed by its antipattern, how to recognize them, its legitimate uses, and its solutions.
8. SQL Database Programming
Authors: Chris Fehily
Book review
Brought to the beginner level enthusiasts which has content pieces on ANSI compatible, DBMS neutral, standard SQL in a comprehensive tale about SQL for the people of far and wide.
Key takeaways
- Covers the relational model, SQL basic, and transactions in a detailed format.
- Create, troubleshoot, and manipulate data in the form of tables, queries and save time.
9. SQL Pocket Guide: A Guide to SQL UsageAuthor
Authors: Jonathan Gennick
Book Review
An excellent portable tool for taking reference when in a jiffy along with a thoroughly organized structure. The book does a mind-blowing job of gathering the statements and the explanations of the problems in one place for math functions, grouping, updating data, etc. All in all, a good reference for SQL database applications and execution.
Key Takeaways
- Has Oracle’s latest support for WITH syntax, PostgreSQL’s support of recursive WITH, brand new Oracle functions, etc.
- Includes datetime conversions, datetime functions, and various data types in different SQL databases along with concise code to get you started easily.
10. Oracle PL/SQL Programming
Author: Steven Feuerstein, Bill Pribyl
Book Review
This book is a must for anyone wanting to strengthen their PL/SQL knowledge in the most maximized way possible. A thorough read equipped with all the functions in Oracle for covering databases. You have to give heed to the advice given by the author himself on debugging and testing in the book to get the desired output.
Key Takeaways
- A comprehensive guide for PL/SQL programmers to enhance their skill set in Oracle extension of SQL to solve real-world problems.
- Now available in the new 12.1 version, which contains the ACCESSIBLE_BY clause, UDF pragma, and new compilation directives
- Learn external procedures, calling Java from PL/SQL, object-oriented aspects of PL/SQL, etc. in depth.
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