5 comments about Mastering phpMyAdmin for Effective MySQL Management.

1. phpMyAdmin is usually installed quickly, out of acute necessity. You need to do something with your database, and you can't do it via telnet or SSH or anything else, so you download the latest version, FTP it up, and away you go. More often than not, the install is forgotten about as soon as your need is over.

   The downside of this is that you're not getting nearly the value you should out of a phpMyAdmin install. Most people work with phpMyAdmin superficially and in very narrow usage corridors - like kids walking barefoot on a painted line through a very large parking lot. There's so much about the app that you don't know.

   This book is a departure from a lot of tech books in that (1) it's short and sweet (just under 200 pages - not nearly the 600-page monolith some of these things become), and (2) it seems more...conversational. Concepts are explained in plain English. I normally hate that cliche, but it fits here. I got a sense of simply having a casual conversation with a fellow geek.

   I read it over the course of a week, putting in a chapter or two each night. I learned something new in every chapter, and I'd implement them in my phpMyAdmin install right after reading the chapter. By the end of the book, I'm left with a superb phpMyAdmin install that does a thousand times more than I've ever accomplished with the app before.

   There's a lot of phpMyAdmin functionality under the hood that you've likely never seen. For instance, you can set it up to enforce relational integrity in your database. This is just good database design, but it also enriches the interface considerably. Foreign key fields now become drop-down lists to the foreign table with a selection of entries. You can print a PDF summary document with descriptions of all tables and columns and an entity relationship diagram showing field relationships. Bet you haven't seen that trick before.

   I suddenly have a sense of liberation with phpMyAdmin. We all hate writing admin interfaces, especially for one-off apps we do in a hurry. Thankfully, phpMyAdmin can support an enormous amount of administration chores in an interface not nearly as utilitarian as the default one you get on install. It won't work for administering the data of every app you write, but I bet it will handle a lot of them.

   I can now see writing apps and doing things that I stayed away from before just because I didn't want to write all the data entry and database admin scripts that easily dominate the work required to put these things together. Instead, I can concentrate on the fun of the front-end pages, while phpMyAdmin sucks up all the back-end work.

   The book also includes some good information about PHP and MySQL in general. On page 86, in the chapter on importing data, there's a solid little discussion about PHP file upload and execution limits that trumps anything I've read before. I'm a better developer for having read these four paragraphs about the "upload_max_filesize," "memory_limit," and "post_max_size" parameters.

   As for MySQL, did you know about InnoDB tables? This is a table format that builds referential integrity into MySQL - something the database has been missing for so long. I'll admit to being utterly ignorant about this feature until this point.

   There's a chapter at the end of the book about MIME-based transformations that summarizes the general level of apathy about this app. I can't believe I haven't run across a discussion about this feature before -

   You may have known on the periphery that you could store files directly into a MySQL database using a BLOB column. But did you know that phpMyAdmin will support this with a file upload field in the interface, so your users can upload files directly? Or that you can sent a MIME Transformation on that field to display a thumbnailed view of stored images in the row when browsing the database? And that you can link that thumbnail to the full-size version or the image, pulled directly from the field? I'll bet the percentage of phpMyAdmin users who know that trick is in the single digits.

   So, good book. If you find yourself writing a lot of throwaway admin interfaces and hating every minute of it, the $30 cover price for this text is probably looking mighty attractive right now.




2. If you're not familiar with phpMyAdmin, then you're missing out on a very powerful tool for administering your MySQL databases. It is an effective way to handle all of your tasks with MySQL, from development to administration. Don't worry, though; if you want to get up to speed in getting the most out of phpMyAdmin, then Mastering phpMyAdmin for Effective MySQL Management (Referred to from here as Mastering phpMyAdmin) will quickly take you from download to proficiency.
   
   Most software purchases I've made rarely begin with me carefully taking out the manual and reading it before installing the software. My goal is to toss aside the manual and other bits in favor of getting to the install media as quickly as possible. If there's ever a problem, then it's time to fish out the manual and see what I missed. Manufacturers caught up with this mentality and include mere pamphlets compared to the gigantic tomes that used to be included with software in the late 80s and early 90s. So why pick up Mastering phpMyAdmin? Can you get along just fine without a manual? phpMyAdmin is easy to use, and very straightforward, but Mastering phpMyAdmin shows just how powerful phpMyAdmin can be. Those who like to have more of a hand-held approach or want to have printed documentation will find Mastering phpMyAdmin to be invaluable and an asset to their use of phpMyAdmin.
   
   Mastering phpMyAdmin is a very thin book, weighing in at a spartan 205 pages, but those 205 pages are put to work with plenty of screenshots and information. The book covers using phpMyAdmin under Linux and Windows, so both sets of users will be able to benefit from phpMyAdmin. Each chapter in the book is short, roughly 10 pages each, but each chapter is packed with useful information. The author is quick to give attention to functions and features tha are genuinely useful. Unlike other books that describe a configuration file by dedicating a chapter to configuration, the author chose instead to describe the configurable portions of phpMyAdmin as each function is introduced. This allows the really useful bits of phpMyAdmin to shine without getting muddled in useless details. phpMyAdmin has lots of little interface tweaks in the config.php.inc file, but the book touches on the ones that anyone but the serious interface hacker would be interested in. This makes the book read like an experienced tour of functionality rather than a "drink from the firehose" reference manual. The author covers all aspects of phpMyAdmin: installation, database creation/deletion, table creation/modification/deletion, searching, and administration. phpMyAdmin features such as BLOB editing, bookmarks, linked tables, and relational schemas are also covered in depth with the same attention to detail and brevity as the other chapters.
   
   I highly recommend anyone who wants to get more than a simple front-end for MySQL look into picking up phpMyAdmin and Mastering phpMyAdmin. Mastering phpMyAdmin is an excellent resource for phpMyAdmin, and both beginners and experts alike will benefit from this excellent resource. It's brief enough to be a quick introduction, yet detailed enough to make anyone feel like an expert with this incredibly useful tool.



3. If you work with phpMyAdmin to work with your mySQL server, you will want this book. It breaks down tasks in non tech-geek language. I use this as my first reference books when I need information to help accomplish a task.



4. I had quite a few questions that no amount of Googling would answer....this book answered them all!
   Clear pictures, troubleshooting. A must to include with any MySQL development..go Linux!



5. Although this book doesn't contain even one snippet of PHP code, it's still really useful to any PHP programmer, especially if you're just starting out. It's likely that you'll use phpMyAdmin during development, and it's important to know about all the (hidden) features, so you can save time and work as efficient as possible.
   
   Initially, I had some worries that this book might be mainly targeted towards beginners, but this is not the case at all, and it's more of a complete guide to phpMyAdmin than just a beginner's book. This book is targeted towards everyone, and even the most advanced programmers will learn a thing or two from this book, especially about PMA's own unique features.
   
   If you're looking for a good phpMyAdmin book, or still don't feel really comfortable with phpMyAdmin, I can definitely recommend this book. This is one of the best guides to phpMyAdmin, and the author has done a terrific job!

2 comments about Advanced ANSI SQL Data Modeling and Structure Processing.

1. I got a chance to read this book from an library in atlanta, and guess what? The next week I went and bought this book.

   Has a very systematic approach, with good diagrams.

   A must for all serious data modellers and SQL programmers




2. Ever since i read this book first in a library in Atlanta, I coudlnt hold myself but buy this book immediately the following week.

   Excellent description on data modelling, and has clear diagrams that are easy to understand.

   a must have for all serious sql data modelling guys and programmers..

1 comments about Using SQLWindows and Centura: Techniques for Building Client/Server Solutions.

1. I am disappointed. Maybe for a beginner who lost his manual. There is nothing really new on this books I rather recommend "SQL Windows 5: Developer's Guide that is a lot better.

5 comments about Oracle8 PL/SQL Programming.

1. After reading this book, my programming skills leaped from Oracle kindergartener to Oracle goddess! As well as a great introduction to PL/SQL and a thorough reference, this book sits right next to my keyboard when I program. It not only covers basic PL/SQL, but also Oracle built-in packages, objects, collections, debugging, and the list goes on. Whether you're just getting started or having been programming for a while, this is an invaluable resource.



2. I think this book is the best book to begin writting PL/SQL code, so It has all programming level, from beginner to expert.



3. I rate books by what the author states as the goals for the book. The Introduction to any book should tell you this. Oracle 8 PL/SQL Programming states that the book "is appropriate for both experienced programmers who neet to know just the syntax for PL/SQL and its advanced features, and for novice programmers who are not familiar with other third-generation languages." While there is much to recommend in this book it does not fulfill its promise.

   Novice programers will find this book a diffuclt read. It does contain useful information, particularly when the authors delves into his expereinces. However it is not structured as an instruction text that a novice programmer can pick up and learn from.

   How does it work as a reference? The explinations of the syntax vary between encyclopedic, as in Chapeter 5: Built-in SQL Functions and lacking completenes as in Chapter 7: Subprograms: Procedures and Functions.

   In Chapter 5 the author catalogues over a hundred functions available in PL/SQL. If the goal is to be a reference work this is a fine approach. It is not very useful to a novice programmer trying to learn PL/SQL. For the novice cataloguse do not demonstrate how to put the pieces together.

   In Chapter 7 we are formally intorduced to the Procedured and Functions. The problem is each element of the all important features of the language is NOT explained.

   For example, the AS and IN clauses are presented in the specification of the formal syntax but are not explained in the chapter. This oversite would be acceptable if these terms had been discussed elsewhere. A check of the Index for pointer to an explination revealed nothing useful.

   With respect to this example we are left with one of two conlusions. Either there is not explination for these terms or the index is not up to the task of providing us a pointer. In either case it makes this work a poor reference. How are we supposed to find details when there is no path to them?




4. I use this book for reference of PL/SQL programming. Ther're some examples in the book. The format and index of this book is good too.



5. I use this book to learn PL/SQL. It is well-written and easy to follow. The codes in the book are also helpful for learning and practicing what you are reading. The book is good for biginners and certainly useful for intermediates and experts. If you are new to PL/SQL programming, after going through this book carefully you should start writing your own codes in PL/SQL. The book can also be used as reference to check syntax or to review concepts. There are certainly other PL/SQL books but this one can be a starting point. Overall the author did a good job and I can recommend the book.

3 comments about Professional Access 2000 Programming.

1. Professional Access 2000 Programming is a combination of a training book to heighten your programming skills, and a reference work that will give you a complete overview of Access 2000 and it's related programming environment. It's written in the traditional Wrox style that is so easy to read and usable for developers.

   One thing I do miss, is the usual Wrox opening statement where it is described whom the book is written for and if any previous programming skills are assumed. It's not until chapter 3 that you find out VB or VBA programming experience is assumed to make use of the chapter. Don't start on this book without any knowledge of VBA, since it is used in most of the coding examples. If you don't know VBA check out the following books: ISBN 0782123244, ISBN 1861001762 and ISBN 0735605920. An understanding of ADO would also improve on the usability of the book.

   To make use of the books fullest potential, have a design plan of your database next to it and make notes or check for errors in your design when you go through the chapters. This helped me to improve on the design of my database.

   Not essential, but it would have been nice if the sample code used in the book had been made available to the reader. At one place in the book the author even writes that the sample code is available from Wrox' website, but as of today it is not.

   This book has given me the skills and confidence to start working on client/server solutions and integrating SQL server. It breaks down the entire complexity surrounding Access 2000 and database development to sizeable blocks and tools that I can piece together according to programming and design goals. A must have for any Access programmer on his way to become a true professional.




2. I've been consulting for over 5 years with Access in all it's iterations except 1.0 and I must say that this is the best book on intermediate topics that I have found. There is no "fluff" like in books from other publishers (especially Queue in my opinion). This book is concise with real world examples for real world issues. When I first opened this book and read a bit I realized this book was written by consultants/developers who have gotten there hands dirty and not "feel good" academics who have never written a line of code for a company. Keep this one handy if you're the Access guru at your firm.



3. I've created basic database structures and applications for about five years and pledged never to go past writing macros, because I didn't want to be forced to learn VBA. I run a realty and mortgage office and just couldn't spare the time. Now that Outlook and the Office suite is becoming more familiar with my crew and now that we've joined a WAN and some B2B data sharing, the basic stuff just didn't fill the bill. I've bought quite a few books on Access recently (not to mention dozens from the past few years) and have found this one to be one of the best in its presentation and content.

   It gave me some real insight on how I should be considering networking and upsizing. I answered more questions I had after spending 12 hours with the book, than I had spent searching the net or reading the other books for several months. I even read though the code and understood it, and contrary to the warnings the presentation still flowed well. I still know little VBA and am now going back to get a Wrox book on Beginnng Access 2000 VBA.

   Concise, very detailed, stuffed full of info and reference. I'm a Wrox fan now.

2 comments about Bases de Datos y su Aplicacion con SQL: Manuales Users, en Español / Spanish (Manuales Users).

1. El mejor libro de SQL, totalmente recomendable. No solamente trata temas particulares, sino que se abre en teoría de base de datos, fundamental para cualquier estudiante de la materia. He leído otras publicaciones del autor que también resultaron interesantes, por lo que no me sorprende el contenido de este material.



2. La transaccion fue buena y rapida, el producto tiene los elementos basicos para manejar un DB

No comments about Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management and Administration.

5 comments about Microsoft SQL Server(TM) 2000 Administrator's Companion (IT-Administrator's Companion).

1. This book is so far from a true administrator's companion it is not even funny. This is an 1100 page promotional pamphlet for Microsoft and the SQL Server wizards.

   DON'T buy this book if you expect it to be a resource you can return to to answer specific questions / problems about SQL Server. It's not organized in that fashion and it doesn't cover enough of what a DBA really uses.

   As an example: In 1100+ pages there is a single paragraph explaining the master database - and NO mention of how to rebuild the master db or the rebuildm command. Something that I would think any Admin Companion book would cover in-depth.




2. I found this book to be an excellent introduction to sql 2000. I am a Network/Systems Engineer/Consultant. Most the environments I have worked in have dedicated staff acting as DBA's. In these environments the cultish status of the DBA camp has always left me wondering what do and how they do it. Now I have a pretty good idea what dba's do and ideas about how to resolve problems with databases in a pinch.

   Basically, this book has given me enough that when confronted with SQL I will know where problems are rooted and be better equiped to solve them. The bulk of the reviews here say this is far from an Administrators companion and will leave you high and dry. Point is these reviewers have more experience than myself and need finer granularity of information. If you are experienced with SQL this book will probably fall flat other than to introduce you to the product and version specific enhancements. If you are looking for a way to begin unraveling the SQL knot, this is a good way to start. Look at it as a first step.




3. I found this book to be very helpful for people who have some database knowledge, but who are unfamiliar with SQL, and SQL server services.

   To this end, I found that this book has one of the most concise, and clear reference to the SQL language. I have read two tutorials before on the subject of SQL, but have always felt somehow that the ideas behind the language seem to elude me. Maybe the third time was the charm. After I read this particular book, I felt that I got a solid understanding of SQL, and I feel that I would be referring back to this book from time to time for its lucid explanation on SQL operations.

   Many previous posters have noted the abundance of tutorials for introducing users to how to use wizards. I find this a welcoming feature, as novices like me would certainly be comforted in knowing that there are such user-friendly features available in SQL to lower the learning curve. Nonetheless, some claims that the book lacked examples on how to use the T-SQL language is simply note true. The book provides corresponding examples of everything it covers in T-SQL script. So far, I have yet to find one script to fail executing on my default installation of SQL Server 2000. Those T-SQL scripts may not have the same sophistication as some other DBA books offer, they nonetheless provide a very good introduction to the novice in the field.

   I must also commend the author of this book in his clear style of writing. I didn't find a single instance where I was bogged down while reading this book by the complicated structure of the language. I find this to be an exceptional gift in any technical documentation.

   Overall, I found this book to be a perfect fit for my purpose. I have always resented books which packed too much information into too little space, and this book has shown that it has the right balance of material as it couldn't have hoped to be both a good introduction for novices and a "bible" for advanced users. I did not expect this to be the last book I will purchase on SQL Server, since it certainly doesn't cover the nitty-gritties of SQL Server as books like "Inside SQL Server 2000" do. As a first book, though, it is perfect.




4. This has to be one of the worst books I own. Time and time again I look to it to provide some knowlege in hopes that the purchase may redeem itself. I am always vastly disappointed!

   If you want general SQL Server information, the Books Online that come with SQL Server provide MUCH more information.

   There are also many more worthwhile books out there. Keep looking!




5. It is the best book I have read for the following areas:

   Clusters
   DTC
   RAID

   The problem with this book is that it is a little boring.
   It is a good referential book. I do not recommend this book for beginners because it contains a lot of technical details.

4 comments about SQL Tips & Techniques (Miscellaneous).

1. I wasn't expecting two people from UPS to have carry this book into my office--the book is huge.

   I have been using MYSQL for a year and I am moving to MS SQL Server. The book's tips (over 600) have been invaluable.

   I used the code the book provides to convert many of applications to support transactions. Got to eliminate tons of code.

   Very well done! Recommend.




2. A must have book for database programmers and administrators. Covers all aspects in detail. A very good reference.



3. I agree ... this book covers all aspects of SQL. Code examples work and are meaningful.



4. This book has a lot of tips about SQL Server, although it doesn't say that on the cover. This was actually good for me since I was going on a job interview and I needed something like a comprehensive tips reference book on SQL (and SQL Server). I could have easily chosen a worse book. It's a bit wordy for me, and I'm not used to seeing so many typos, but considering that I have seen some terrible SQL books out there (including my college text), this book is actually well thought out.

2 comments about Oracle PL/SQL Interview Questions, Answers, and Explanations: Oracle PL/SQL FAQ (Oracle Interview Questions).

1. While this book has some good material, the quality of proof reading and editing that went into it is simply appalling. Everyday English words are misspelled.
   
   Whatever happened to subject-verb agreement?
   
   Whatever happened to basic English?
   
   You won't find any such things in this book.
   
   Honestly, for the price being charged, it is just plain rip-off.
   
   I have never seen a professional publication so badly, carelessly, and recklessly produced.
   
   I have given it two stars only because some of the technical content is worthwhile. Otherwise, it would not even deserve one star.
   
   Sorry, English matters.



2. 
   
   
   
   In agreement with other reviers: this book is filled
   with technical details about Oracle PL/SQL,
   and it will certainly assist me in my job search. As a
   beginner in Oracle, may of the publication that I find
   are very technical. This guide is included in that list.
   
   But I do find the information of some use.
   
   The book is expensive, but I find that you get
   what you pay for. It is worth the purchase.