1 comments about Database Design Manual: using MySQL for Windows (Springer Professional Computing).

1. I bought this book with the hope to get deep insights into the workings of MySQL on windows platform, including issues like perfromance tuning on windows platform etc. But the book was a big disappointment. It is a dumbed down version of the MySQL documentation, for users who don't have any prior database experience. If you have already worked with database and want to learn about MySQL, you are better off reading the free online docmentation.

No comments about Learning Advanced SQL/Book and 2 Disk.

No comments about DB2 Explained for Sybase Professionals.

5 comments about Instant SQL Programming.

1. Database design and SQL are difficult subjects but a book for beginners should make every effort to accomodate the beginner by simplifying it as much as possible. And, to a degree, this book does that. But there are too many forays into outer space. Consider this passage from page 122: 'You can summarize the rule as follows: if X and Y are columns and X is a key, then for any Z which is a proper subset of X, it can't be the case that Z determines Y.' No matter how elegant, I don't think anyone would argue that this is helpful for a beginner. On the contrary, it tends to make the subject seem as difficult as possible. Hardly a proper goal for a beginner's book. I am about half-way through this book and, increasingly, I am going to MSDN for a clearer explanation to each of the subjects that Celko addresses.



2. The book starts with installation notes telling reader that instead of using password such and such and id such, as it is described in the software's help, you rathre have to use password "sql" and password "dba". I tried to enter "sql" and "dba" into the password-asking dialog box, and it did not work. Then I realized that it is password "sql" and USERID "dba", and not only it is a misprint, they are listed in a reverse order: first you enter "dba", and second - "sql". That's on the very first page. The page 5 states, that supplied version of Watcom SQL engine will not allow to execute commands CREATE, ALTER, DROP, GRANT or REVOKE. That makes impossible to practice anything you read up to the chapter 5. However, in chapter 6 on p. 162 author offers you to execute command ALTER TABLE, and if you already forgot about page 5, that's a lot of frustration. At this time it helps to return to page 8: "The code in this book has been extensively tested ... so if you encounter an error message ... please thoroughly check that you've typed the code in correctly ... if you don't type in all of the examples, then you may encounter problems later with certain structures or features which haven't been created".



3. I had to buy this book for an online class I'm taking. The teacher probably wanted it because of the [very old] software [on floppys] to use with the class. The book itself is basically on the border of terrible for someone like me who is new to SQL (even though I am a senior CS student). Uses a lots of terminology that he doesn't explain. Not very good examples. Cannot skip between chapters without confusion. Overall, this is the worst computer book that I have purchased. I'm looking for a new one to supliment my learning for the class.



4. Probably not the best book ever written for SQL, let alone for beginners.

   However, it is the one I used to learn SQL. It covers the basics in a fairly concise manner, enough so to be able to move on to a more advanced book. I read it cover-to-cover, and didn't agonize over the side-tracking or standards discussions. What I wanted was the details on the syntax of the language and an understanding of what the statements do, and that is what was provided along with some basic examples. By the end of the book, I was able to use SQL at a novice level.

   I'm not sure I'd use this book to teach a class on beginning SQL, but as a quick and dirty read to get a first taste of the language, it fits. P-)




5. Ok, it's 10 years since this book was written and it is still the one I use as my SQL reference.
   
   One note - I'm a programmer, not a DBA. So my SQL needs are pretty simple. But if you want a basic reference that covers all of the basics clearly - this is the book.

5 comments about Oracle8 DBA: SQL and PL/SQL Exam Cram (Exam: 1Z0-001).

1. I passed my first Oracle DBA exam today - PL/SQL - with just 43 out of 57 or around 68%. Hey, I know it doesn't sound impressive but I got it just by reading the Oracle Documentation file on those tested sections. I have not found a single book that explains Oracle stuff well. I think the audience intended for this Exam Cram book are people from Mars. However, the documentation file has many good examples and is totally comprehensive for just about anything. In a nutshell, to pass any DBA exam, read the DOCUMENTATION !



2. Bought this book for additional preparation for the SQL and PL/SQL exam after reading the first 5 chapters of OCP:Application Developer (this book covers material for all the exams required for OCP-Application Developer). The only practical use I was able to get from the exam cram book was the practice exam at the end. scored an 83. This book is a waste of maney.



3. When I firsted reviewed the book, I would have given it a dismal "1" rating. However, I took a look at it again during the home stretch before the actual exam and found this book was beneficial for the test questions. The sample test questions are good at simulating the type of questions you will encounter on the OCP exam. Going through the book exams will help train you to take OCP exams, making you sensitive to the types of tricks you will encounter.

   Similar to other reviewers, I was disturbed at the many errors in the book. However, if you use this book only for the test questions, you may not be disappointed.




4. This is a good book for people who do not have much time to study for the exams. This book has excellent tips. Even if you buy it only for the great tips and practice test, it's worth the money. If you read this book thoroughly you don't need another book for the exam at all. I highly recommend!!!



5. I have used other Exam Cram books to pass VB and VC++ exams, but I don't think I could do it with this one. However, it is a great REFERENCE for syntax, etc.

5 comments about Sams Teach Yourself MySQL in 24 Hours (Sams Teach Yourself).

1. I had to learn SQL quickly, given ~ 1 weeks time.
   The book makes many references to using MySQL (cause its free), yet 1/2 of the examples and exercises do not work on MySQL, due to syntax issues between MySQL and the other, "favored" DB's used in the examples.
   Also, it makes the assumption that you've installed MySQL and have it up-and-running, and yet I lost ~10hours fighting with logon credebtials once my MySQL was loaded on my Lunux box...what a hassle!
   I guess if you use Oracle or SQL 2000...you'd have an easier time of it.....



2. I got this book long time ago and never had a chance to read it. I recently got some time and want to learn how to use it, and I still have no idea how mysql work after reading for a few chapters. I end up reading the manual of mysql and found some other helpful tutorials online. If you are a beginner, this book does not provide any help.



3. This book includes a wealth of information for the beginner using mySQL. I sped through the chapters, have the database from the examples installed and I'm using for a contact management system. It's great. Now to branch out and create my own database for my book collection. Thanks Julie for a book that readies the beginner for using mySQL.



4. I find this to be a low level of professionalism from this author: "First, I don't mind negative reviews; this is my 4th book".
   To post a positive review to off set the candid reviews from others, I find that to be very amateurish.
   I have written the author in the past as she suggests only getting some nasty response back from her.
   If you want a great book on MySQL go with the MySQL Tutorial By Laura Thomson, Luke Welling.
   The book is written very well and has a 4.5 star rating with no pump from the authors.



5. I'd like to counter some of the negative reviews of this book because a) many seem to miss the point of the book, and b) because I've found it to be quite useful. I'm not exactly the target audience, as I had some previous experience with an earlier version of MySQL. However, I managed to forget a whole lot and wanted a refresher course. Usually, when I see a book claiming to do anything in "24 hours", I'm pretty skeptical, but in this case, 24 hours is actually pretty conservative. Regardless of experience, I'm sure most readers will fly through the first eight or nine hours (or chapters) much faster.
   
   Lets address some of the criticisms: First, this is clearly an introductory book as the title suggest. Any expectation that this is somehow a reference book will be disappointed. This is not exhaustive, nor is it comprehensive. When first approaching something new, I don't appreciate being inundated with more detail than I can digest. I'd rather get up and running quickly before discovering the details.
   
   I believe the criticism that the book assumes you have MySQL installed and configured already is valid. The book does help you get installed, but it's conveniently not included in the "24 hours" portion of the book. In my experience, the installation and configuration is not straightforward at all and that WILL add time to your learning process.
   
   Overall, I feel that the book has enough information to be useful, but not so much that it overwhelms the beginner. I haven't read every introductory book on this topic, but I don't really feel like I need to because Meloni's book was entirely sufficient. Perhaps there's something better out there, but since I worked through this book quickly and with great success, I'd say it's just fine. Meloni's writing style is simple and concise.
   
   The one recommendation that I might make would be to purchase Meloni's "Teach Yourself PHP, MySQL, and Apache" instead. You don't get quite as much detail on MySQL itself, but you learn basically the same content, plus integration with PHP, which is what most people want to do anyway. Overall, I can safely recommend either book.

No comments about JDBC Metadata, MySQL, and Oracle Recipes: A Problem-Solution Approach (Expert's Voice in Java).

4 comments about The Rational Guide to Scripting SQL Server 2005 Integration Services Beta Preview (Rational Guides).

1. This is a small text with a no frills, practical style. Book starts with a good architecture overview but focuses on real-world examples for the remainder. Sample code and bonus sections are very helpful and its chocked with best practices/tips along the way.
   
   For DBA types unfamiliar with .NET this book is not a .NET tome but it does show you how to utilize .NET for more efficient SSIS development.
   
   Considering the cost it's an incredible value and after 1 day I've incorporated some of the books content into a project for my customer.
   
   The only down-side was the bonus content wasn't available on the publisher's site when I bought the book - but even that had a plus...I got a personal email from the publisher explaining the situation. Doesn't get much better than that.



2. I had high hope for this book because it was reasonably priced and I wanted to familiarize myself with SSIS. It turns out that this is more a book for folks who already know some things about SSIS. It still would have been useful to me except for the fact that most of the example code does not work. I even downloaded it from the publisher and it still doesn't work. Maybe the finished product is different from when the book was published but I couldn'd find any email address for the author and no way to report this problem.
   
   I guess what they say is true, you get what you pay for.



3. I bought this book to learn about scripting in SSIS, and found it very straight forward and comprehensive. It packs a lot in 190 pages, and after you register the book online, you will get extra chapters and code.
   I was expecting it to be very technical, but I found it easy to read, and enjoyable. The title does not do it justice. It has a great overview of SSIS as well as a detailed review scripting. Also, don't let the "Beta Preview" in the title throw you, it also applies to the official release of SQL Server 2005.
   I like the "Rational Guide" format, and I really like their site. I will be giving this book to not only my developers, but also to my team leads and project managers.



4. i like the concept by rational press, comprehensive and affordable. but this book is plague by error in samples. the book starts out good but gone down hill. check out the problem samples in chapter 8 & 9.
   
   i think computer book providing code that doesn't work should include errata for readers. what does the "accuracy assured" logo on the lower right corner of the cover mean?

5 comments about Java Programming with Oracle JDBC.

1. Looks like most of the material came from oracle documentation. Examples are very basic



2. This book gives good coverage of Oracle's JDBC implementation. That is about as far as it goes. This is just too close to being documentation. When purchasing books on a specific technology, I am looking for the author's insight. Specific things the author learned while working with it. Give me best practices, suggestions, things to avoid, etc. Tell me what I won't learn from Oracle's docs, don't just rewrite them.



3. This book is for Java developers who need to get the most out of using JDBC and Oracle (version 8.1.6). Choosing a specific database allows a lot more detail. Other JDBC books may skip database-dependent parts of the API; this book even gives code examples for the hard stuff. It is slow to read end-to-end, but "dipping" works well - there's almost always a helpful code example nearby.

   There are problems, though. The author is obviously very familiar with Oracle, but lacks the experience to make comparisons with other products, this book won't help you choose when to use Oracle or whan another system might be more appropriate. Also I noticed other signs of lack of research - he sometimes gets abbreviations wrong, and the Java code is not particularly well-written.

   The big problem for me is that the book assumes you only ever use Oracle. There is no consideration of code portability, it offers no wisdom about avoiding or encapsulating proprietary Oracle-specific extensions. The techniques in this book could easily lock your product into Oracle, worse, they might even lock your product into a specific version of Oracle.

   The book has minor discussion of extra features in Oracle8i and Oracle9i, but nothing about JDBC 3. It's less helpful if you are using a version older than 8.1.6, too.

   If you (or your management) have already sold your soul to Oracle, get this book. If you might need to use other databases, get a more generic book, but keep this one for those times when only a specific Oracle feature will do the trick.




4. Let me start by saying that had I purchased this book 2 years ago when it was first released, I would have given it 5 stars.

   This is a very well-written book, with good explanations and sample code. However, the book is fairly out of date, and much of the performance tuning suggestions he makes don't really apply as much when using the latest Oracle JDBC drivers and Oracle9 database. This book covers Oracle 8.1.6, and a lot of changes have been made between that release and 8.1.7 and Oracle9.

   I recommend the newer "Oracle 9i JDBC Programming" book by Jason Price for much more current coverage of this topic.




5. A no-nonsense, well-written and well-organized introduction to the Java programming language with Oracle JDBC. It uses a careful, example-based, easy to understand approach. A friendly and well-written book recommended for anyone ready to learn the power of Java programming language with Oracle JDBC.
   Thank you

5 comments about SQLite (Developer's Library).

1. My impression was that PHP and MySQL were de facto two sides of the same coin. Many websites using PHP deploy MySQL on the backend. Indeed, there have been several books written about implementing this combination. But Newman offers a simple alternative. A stripped down SQL database that he claims will suffice for many websites. Indeed, he points out that SQLite has proved persuasive enough that PHP5 ships with it.
   
   Going over its syntax, the book shows much of SQLite to be generic SQL. Given that whatever database you choose, you should probably stick to standard SQL as much as possible, then SQLite suffers from no particular deficiency here.
   
   What is distinctive is that its data resides in just one file. Greatly eases administration. Plus, other databases are often implemented as client-server, so as to service queries coming in from the Net. It is indeed a disadvantage that SQLite cannot do this. But in return, by eliminating a network layer, it can be twice as fast as MySQL. Wow.
   
   Cautiously, I'd say it may be attractive to some websites.



2. I was not aware that Adobe did not have an ebook reader for Linux. And since you can not print it, or copy/paste selections from this book (I use VMWare to run Windows apps), this book loses its usefulness altogether.
   
   SQLite is a fine and simple database, with many advantages for developers of single-user software. But you (and SQLite) would be best served by buying the paperback edition.



3. As far as I know, this is the first book on SQLite and for that Chris Newman deserves a compliment.
   Beyond that, this book is not very useful though:
   1) It explains some basic SQL syntax but I didn't buy this book to learn SQL.
   2) Very little information about the specifics and pitfalls of SQLite syntax, I rarely find what I'm looking for.
   3) Being a PHP developer I don't need the chapters on C++, Perl, TCL and Python (about 25% of the book).



4. This is an old book, and doesn't cover the newer SQLite 3.x information.



5. SQLite is not intended to be a complete replacement to standard Database Management Systems. It IS, however, a good alternative to a full-blown database in some situations. Think of it as a simple database management system with NO RELATIONS - this may or may not be a problem for you and your project.
   
   I would never use SQLite for a web site of any complexity - MySQL and other RDBMS's are simply too plentiful, powerful and easy to use. One great application I've found is to use SQLite in, say, a C++ application such as a game for saving information like player stats and scores. This saves you from having to do file i/o and parsing through text files. In such a situation, talking to an independent database server would cut the player off from the data if he was offline or otherwise not able to communicate with the server.