Best Resources for learning SQL? [duplicate]

Question

Possible Duplicate:
Good Books and videos for absolute beginner to SQL

I have landed a role as a product engineer for a web based product.
A big part of the product is allowing its users the ability to create queries with SQL to pull in business information from their back end databases.

I know the very basics of SQL and need to spend some time getting a better grasp on SQL.

I have the tutorial from w3schools on my ToDo list, but was hoping to get some answers that point me to good resources for learning SQL.

I have no preference - I can buy a book (SQL For Dummies?), or online resources, online videos, audio, etc.

Answer 1

My suggestion is that you have a strategy for you to master your job using SQL. A sample strategy would be: 0-Get a training environment, with the database, data and security 1-Learn principles of SQL 2-Get familiar with your product's data model 3-Jot down the top 50 queries your customer may require 4-Learn advanced SQL 5-Learn more about how to optimize your queries 6-Learn stored procedures language if you have to (such as PL/SQL, T-SQL,etc.)

Make sure that whatever book you use is for the same database you have. Don't pick a book that talks about ORACLE if you are using MySQL.

For point (1), I suggest you start very slowly so that you learn well and also so that you don't "hate" the subject.

Stay away from books with titles containing "complete guide", "bible", "coockbook", such books may be useful when you covered the basics.

Sample title that may suite you are: (1)-SQL Visual Guide

(2)-SQL Queries for mere mortals

(3)-Sams Teach Yourself SQL in One Hour a Day (5th Edition)

(4)-The Practical SQL Handbook: Using SQL Variants (4th Edition)

Many other exist of course.

Read the book ratings and if you have a chance browse the book.

It would also help if you could afford (or if your company could afford) buying a SQL Query Helper tool that features Intellisense-like code completion.

A good book for one person is not always good for another person.

Hope this helps.

EK

Answer 2

I strongly recommend sqlshare.com

They have a video newsletter that you can subscribe and update on a daily basis.

Answer 3

I always thought that there are two types of people who write SQL: the ones who read C. J. Date and the ones who doesn't.

Despite my dislike for the series SQL for Dummies might be a good start if you know nothing about the subject. From your requirements I imagine you need a good deal of knowledge, then the following are required readings to write good SQL:

• SQL and relational theory: how to write accurate SQL code by C. J. Date.
• SQL antipatterns: avoiding the pitfalls of database programming by Bill Karwin

Although not required but certanly interesting there's also the E. F. Codd original writing:

• The relational model for database management by E. F. Codd

You didn't specify what dialect you're using. A dialect specific book is probably worth reading, specially about performance considerations.