The best 25 SQL books

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1

What's Sams Teach Yourself about?

Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes by Ben Forta is a concise and practical guide to learning SQL quickly. With clear explanations and plenty of examples, this book helps beginners understand the fundamentals of SQL and how to write effective queries. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to gain a solid understanding of SQL in a short amount of time.

Who should read Sams Teach Yourself?

  • Individuals who want to learn SQL quickly and efficiently

  • Professionals who need to work with databases as part of their job

  • Students or beginners in the field of computer science or data analysis


What's Excel 2019 All-In-One for Dummies about?

Excel 2019 All-In-One for Dummies by Greg Harvey is a comprehensive guide to mastering Microsoft Excel. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, this book covers everything from basic spreadsheet tasks to advanced data analysis and visualization techniques. With clear explanations and practical examples, it's a valuable resource for anyone looking to harness the full potential of Excel.

Who should read Excel 2019 All-In-One for Dummies?

  • Individuals who want to improve their Excel skills and efficiency

  • Professionals who need to use Excel for data analysis, reporting, and decision-making

  • Students or educators seeking a comprehensive guide to mastering Excel


What's 97 Things Every Programmer Should Know about?

97 Things Every Programmer Should Know is a collection of essays from experienced programmers and thought leaders in the software industry. It covers a wide range of topics including code design, testing, teamwork, and career development. Each essay offers practical advice and insights, making it a valuable resource for programmers at all levels.

Who should read 97 Things Every Programmer Should Know?

  • Programmers who want to improve their skills and expand their knowledge

  • Software developers looking for practical tips and best practices

  • Those who want to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in programming


What's Murach's Oracle SQL and PL/SQL for Developers about?

Murach's Oracle SQL and PL/SQL for Developers by Joel Murach is a comprehensive guide that teaches SQL and PL/SQL programming for Oracle databases. It covers the essential concepts and techniques for querying and manipulating data, as well as creating stored procedures, functions, and triggers. With clear explanations and practical examples, this book is a valuable resource for developers looking to master Oracle database programming.

Who should read Murach's Oracle SQL and PL/SQL for Developers?

  • Developers who want to master Oracle SQL and PL/SQL

  • Professionals who need to work with Oracle databases on a regular basis

  • Students or educators looking to deepen their understanding of database management


5
SQL Books: High Performance MySQL by Baron Schwartz

High Performance MySQL

Baron Schwartz

What's High Performance MySQL about?

High Performance MySQL by Baron Schwartz, Peter Zaitsev, and Vadim Tkachenko is an essential book for anyone looking to optimize their MySQL database. It covers a wide range of topics including schema design, indexing, query optimization, and server tuning. With practical examples and in-depth explanations, this book provides valuable insights into maximizing the performance of your MySQL database.

Who should read High Performance MySQL?

  • Database administrators and developers who want to optimize the performance of their MySQL databases

  • Professionals looking to deepen their understanding of MySQL's inner workings and advanced features

  • Individuals who want to learn best practices for scaling and managing high-traffic MySQL applications


What's OCA Oracle Database SQL Exam Guide about?

OCA Oracle Database SQL Exam Guide by Steve O'Hearn is a comprehensive resource for anyone preparing for the Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) certification exam. It covers all the essential topics related to SQL and database concepts, providing clear explanations, practice questions, and real-world examples to help you master the material. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, this book will guide you through the exam preparation process and ensure your success.

Who should read OCA Oracle Database SQL Exam Guide?

  • Individuals preparing for the Oracle Database SQL Exam

  • Database administrators looking to enhance their SQL skills

  • Professionals seeking a comprehensive guide to Oracle SQL


What's Exam Ref 70-761 Querying Data with Transact-SQL about?

Exam Ref 70-761 Querying Data with Transact-SQL by Itzik Ben-Gan is a comprehensive guide designed to help you prepare for the Microsoft Exam 70-761. It covers the essential skills and knowledge required to query and manipulate data using Transact-SQL in SQL Server. With clear explanations and practice questions, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to become certified in database querying.

Who should read Exam Ref 70-761 Querying Data with Transact-SQL?

  • Individuals preparing for the Microsoft Exam 70-761 to become certified as a SQL Server database professional

  • Database administrators, developers, or analysts seeking to enhance their Transact-SQL querying skills

  • Professionals who want to gain a deep understanding of data manipulation and retrieval using SQL Server


What's Inside Microsoft SQL Server 2000 about?

Inside Microsoft SQL Server 2000 by Kalen Delaney is a comprehensive guide to understanding the inner workings of SQL Server. It covers topics such as database architecture, query optimization, indexing, and transaction management. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced SQL Server user, this book provides valuable insights and practical tips to help you maximize the performance and efficiency of your database.

Who should read Inside Microsoft SQL Server 2000?

  • Database administrators and developers who want to deepen their understanding of Microsoft SQL Server 2000

  • IT professionals who need to optimize the performance and reliability of SQL Server databases

  • Students and educators seeking comprehensive knowledge of SQL Server 2000 architecture and functionality


What's Oracle SQL Tuning with Oracle Sqltxplain about?

Oracle SQL Tuning with Oracle Sqltxplain by Stelios Charalambides is a comprehensive guide to optimizing SQL queries in Oracle databases. The book introduces the SQLTXPLAIN tool, which helps diagnose and resolve performance issues in SQL statements. It covers various tuning techniques, best practices, and real-world examples to help database administrators and developers improve the efficiency of their SQL queries.

Who should read Oracle SQL Tuning with Oracle Sqltxplain?

  • Database administrators looking to optimize SQL performance

  • SQL developers seeking to improve query execution times

  • IT professionals working with Oracle databases


10
SQL Books: MySQL Pocket Reference by George Reese

What's MySQL Pocket Reference about?

MySQL Pocket Reference by George Reese is a concise guide that provides quick access to essential information about MySQL, a popular open-source database management system. It covers key concepts, commands, functions, and syntax, making it a handy resource for developers and administrators who need to work with MySQL on a daily basis. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, this book offers valuable insights to help you navigate the world of MySQL.

Who should read MySQL Pocket Reference?

  • Developers and programmers who work with MySQL on a regular basis

  • Database administrators who need quick access to MySQL syntax and functions

  • Students and professionals learning about relational databases and SQL


11
SQL Books: MySQL Stored Procedure Programming by Guy Harrison, Steven Feuerstein

MySQL Stored Procedure Programming

Guy Harrison, Steven Feuerstein

What's MySQL Stored Procedure Programming about?

MySQL Stored Procedure Programming by Guy Harrison and Steven Feuerstein provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing stored procedures in MySQL. It covers the fundamental concepts, syntax, and best practices for creating efficient and secure stored procedures. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, this book offers valuable insights and practical examples to help you master MySQL stored procedure programming.

Who should read MySQL Stored Procedure Programming?

  • Database developers and administrators looking to deepen their understanding of MySQL stored procedures

  • Programmers interested in leveraging the power and flexibility of stored procedures for better database performance

  • Professionals seeking practical guidance and best practices for designing, implementing, and optimizing stored procedures


12
SQL Books: Head First SQL by Lynn Beighley

Head First SQL

Lynn Beighley

What's Head First SQL about?

Head First SQL by Lynn Beighley is a beginner-friendly guide to learning SQL. Through a visually engaging and interactive format, the book covers essential SQL concepts and techniques. It uses real-world examples and exercises to help readers understand how to use SQL to manage and analyze data effectively.

Who should read Head First SQL?

  • Individuals who want to learn SQL from scratch and have no prior experience with databases

  • Professionals who need to work with data and want to improve their SQL skills

  • Students or educators looking for a beginner-friendly guide to understanding and using SQL


13
SQL Books: Practical SQL by Anthony DeBarros

Practical SQL

Anthony DeBarros

What's Practical SQL about?

Practical SQL by Anthony DeBarros is a comprehensive guide that takes you through the essential concepts and practical applications of SQL. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced programmer, this book provides clear explanations and real-world examples to help you master SQL and effectively manage your data.

Who should read Practical SQL?

  • Professionals who work with data and want to improve their SQL skills

  • Students or individuals looking to learn SQL for career advancement

  • Anyone who wants a practical and hands-on approach to mastering SQL


What's SQL and Relational Theory about?

SQL and Relational Theory by C. J. Date explores the fundamental concepts of relational databases and how they relate to SQL. It delves into the theoretical aspects of relational databases, such as normalization and integrity constraints, and shows how these concepts are implemented in SQL. The book provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to truly understand and master SQL.

Who should read SQL and Relational Theory?

  • Professionals working with databases who want to deepen their understanding of SQL and relational theory

  • Students studying computer science, information systems, or database management

  • Anyone seeking to improve their skills in designing and querying relational databases


15

What's SQL Server Execution Plans about?

SQL Server Execution Plans by Grant Fritchey is a comprehensive guide that delves into the inner workings of SQL Server and helps you understand how to interpret and analyze execution plans. Through real-world examples and practical tips, the book equips you with the knowledge to optimize your queries and improve the performance of your SQL Server databases.

Who should read SQL Server Execution Plans?

  • Database administrators and developers who want to understand and optimize query performance

  • SQL Server users who want to gain insights into how their queries are executed

  • Professionals looking to enhance their skills in interpreting and analyzing SQL Server execution plans


16
SQL Books: SQL All-in-One For Dummies by Allen G. Taylor

What's SQL All-in-One For Dummies about?

SQL All-in-One For Dummies by Allen G. Taylor is a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of SQL, from basic concepts to advanced techniques. It includes seven mini-books that explore different areas such as database design, querying, programming, and administration. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this book provides valuable insights and practical examples to help you master SQL.

Who should read SQL All-in-One For Dummies?

  • Professionals working with databases, such as data analysts, database administrators, and software developers

  • Students or beginners looking to learn SQL from scratch and build a solid foundation in database management

  • Individuals who want to enhance their career prospects by acquiring valuable SQL skills


17

What's SQL Queries for Mere Mortals about?

SQL Queries for Mere Mortals by John L. Viescas is a comprehensive guide for beginners and experienced professionals alike. It provides clear explanations and practical examples to help you master the art of writing SQL queries. Whether you're retrieving data, modifying tables, or creating complex joins, this book will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to become proficient in SQL.

Who should read SQL Queries for Mere Mortals?

  • Individuals who want to learn how to write effective SQL queries

  • Professionals looking to improve their data analysis and manipulation skills

  • Students or beginners in the field of database management


18
SQL Books: Simply SQL by Rudy Limeback

Simply SQL

Rudy Limeback

What's Simply SQL about?

Simply SQL by Rudy Limeback is a comprehensive guide to learning SQL. It covers everything from the basics of querying and manipulating data to more advanced topics such as joins, subqueries, and stored procedures. With clear explanations and practical examples, this book is perfect for anyone looking to master SQL.

Who should read Simply SQL?

  • Individuals who want to learn and master SQL for data analysis and database management

  • Professionals looking to enhance their skills and advance their career in data-related roles

  • Students and educators seeking a comprehensive guide to SQL and database concepts


19
SQL Books: T-SQL Fundamentals by Itzik Ben-Gan

T-SQL Fundamentals

Itzik Ben-Gan

What's T-SQL Fundamentals about?

T-SQL Fundamentals by Itzik Ben-Gan is a comprehensive guide to Transact-SQL, the query language used in Microsoft SQL Server. It covers the basics of querying and modifying data, as well as more advanced topics such as window functions, pivoting, and error handling. Whether you're new to T-SQL or looking to deepen your understanding, this book provides clear explanations and practical examples to help you master the fundamentals.

Who should read T-SQL Fundamentals?

  • Aspiring database developers and administrators looking to master T-SQL

  • Professionals seeking to improve their data querying and manipulation skills

  • Individuals who want to understand the underlying logic and best practices of T-SQL


20
SQL Books: SQL Antipatterns by Bill Karwin

SQL Antipatterns

Bill Karwin

What's SQL Antipatterns about?

SQL Antipatterns by Bill Karwin is a practical guide that helps developers and database administrators avoid common mistakes and pitfalls in SQL database design and implementation. Through real-world examples and clear explanations, the book highlights antipatterns such as database abuse, missing indexes, and redundant data, and offers solutions to address these issues. It is a valuable resource for anyone working with SQL databases.

Who should read SQL Antipatterns?

  • Software engineers who want to improve their SQL skills and avoid common pitfalls

  • Database administrators looking to optimize database performance and design

  • Developers who want to understand best practices for writing efficient and maintainable SQL queries


21
SQL Books: SQL Pocket Guide by Jonathan Gennick

SQL Pocket Guide

Jonathan Gennick

What's SQL Pocket Guide about?

SQL Pocket Guide is a concise reference book that provides a comprehensive overview of SQL syntax, functions, and usage. It covers various database systems including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and Oracle. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced SQL user, this book offers quick and easy access to essential information for writing and executing SQL queries.

Who should read SQL Pocket Guide?

  • Programmers and developers who need a quick reference for SQL syntax and commands

  • Database administrators who want a handy guide for managing and querying databases

  • Students and professionals studying or working with SQL who need a compact and comprehensive resource


22
SQL Books: Using SQLite by Jay A. Kreibich

Using SQLite

Jay A. Kreibich

What's Using SQLite about?

Using SQLite by Jay A. Kreibich is a comprehensive guide that teaches you how to effectively use SQLite, a popular open-source database engine. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, this book provides practical examples and insights to help you understand SQLite's features, optimize performance, and integrate it into your applications.

Who should read Using SQLite?

  • Software developers who want to learn how to use SQLite for their applications

  • Professionals looking to understand the basics of database design and management

  • Students or educators seeking a practical guide to implementing SQLite in projects


23

What's The Data Warehouse Toolkit about?

The Data Warehouse Toolkit by Ralph Kimball provides a comprehensive guide to designing and building data warehouses. It covers essential concepts such as dimensional modeling, ETL processes, and data quality, offering practical advice and real-world examples. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, this book equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to create an effective data warehouse.

Who should read The Data Warehouse Toolkit?

  • Individuals who want to understand the principles and best practices of data warehousing

  • Professionals working in the field of business intelligence, data analysis, or database management

  • Students or academics studying data management, data modeling, or data architecture


24
SQL Books: SQL Tuning by Dan Tow

SQL Tuning

Dan Tow

What's SQL Tuning about?

SQL Tuning by Dan Tow provides a comprehensive guide to optimizing SQL queries for improved performance. The book covers various techniques and strategies to identify and resolve performance issues in SQL code, making it an essential resource for database developers and administrators.

Who should read SQL Tuning?

  • Database administrators and developers who want to improve the performance of their SQL queries

  • Professionals who work with large databases and need to optimize their SQL code

  • Individuals who want to deepen their understanding of how databases process SQL queries


25
SQL Books: SQL Practice Problems by Sylvia Moestl Vasilik

SQL Practice Problems

Sylvia Moestl Vasilik

What's SQL Practice Problems about?

SQL Practice Problems by Sylvia Moestl Vasilik is a comprehensive book that provides a hands-on approach to learning SQL. It offers a collection of real-world challenges and exercises to help readers master SQL query writing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced SQL user, this book is a valuable resource for improving your SQL skills and problem-solving abilities.

Who should read SQL Practice Problems?

  • Individuals who want to improve their SQL skills and problem-solving abilities

  • Professionals working in data analysis, business intelligence, or database management

  • Students or job seekers preparing for technical interviews or assessments


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SQL Books
 FAQs 

What's the best SQL book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard Sams Teach Yourself as the ultimate read on SQL.

What are the Top 10 SQL books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • Sams Teach Yourself by Ben Forta
  • Excel 2019 All-In-One for Dummies by Greg Harvey
  • 97 Things Every Programmer Should Know by Kevlin Henney
  • Murach's Oracle SQL and PL/SQL for Developers by Joel Murach
  • High Performance MySQL by Baron Schwartz
  • OCA Oracle Database SQL Exam Guide by Steve O'Hearn
  • Exam Ref 70-761 Querying Data with Transact-SQL by Itzik Ben-Gan
  • Inside Microsoft SQL Server 2000 by Kalen Delaney
  • Oracle SQL Tuning with Oracle Sqltxplain by Stelios Charalambides
  • MySQL Pocket Reference by George Reese

Who are the top SQL book authors?

When it comes to SQL, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Ben Forta
  • Greg Harvey
  • Kevlin Henney
  • Joel Murach
  • Baron Schwartz