SQL Book Recommendations?

[mark]

For my new job, I need to learn SQL (specifically, Microsoft SQL Server 2000/2003/2005 - I know, it's ugly, but try and listen objectively<g>). What I'll be doing is a lot of ad hoc queries, updates, etc. I'm enrolled in an intro class at a local university, but that won't start until October.

Any suggestions on generally available books that might help me?

Thanks!

Mark

[lzydba]

There's nothing ugly about Ms SQL Server. I admin both ORACLE and SQL Server machines, and they both have their strengths and weaknesses.

What type of work will you be doing? Administrative? Developer? Report Writer? End user? That will have a big influence in the type of book that you will want to look for.

And as always BOL (Books Online) is your best friend when it come to SQL Server.

[mark]

There's nothing ugly about Ms SQL Server. I admin both ORACLE and SQL Server machines, and they both have their strengths and weaknesses.

What type of work will you be doing? Administrative? Developer? Report Writer? End user? That will have a big influence in the type of book that you will want to look for.

And as always BOL (Books Online) is your best friend when it come to SQL Server.

The type of work is kind of a mixed bag, all of the above except end-user (except for testing, of course).

And, yes, I'm getting well acquainted with the BOL - but what I'm looking for is (a) actual printed matter and (b) more of a tutorial.

Any ideas?

[indytim]

When I first got started on sql, I went to the local bookstore and picked up a condensed version sql primer (something like learn sql in 2 hrs or some derivative). It 'twas one step above the "for dummies". Did cover the basics of sql syntax. Beyond that you will need to refer to the doc's for the database you're using as there is probably some "uniqueness" in sql construction tied to the database.

Hope this is a starter for you and welcome to the sql community!

IndyTim

[lzydba]

The best TSQL book that I have. I still flip this one open frequently at work:

http://www.amazon.com/Gurus-Guide-Transact-SQL-Ken-Henderson/dp/0201615762/sr=1-1/qid=1157651939/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-6850668-7337450?ie=UTF8&s=books

And a decent pocket admin guide that will give a little bit about the technical nitty gritty:

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-ServerTM-Administrators-Consultant-It-Administrators/dp/0735611297/sr=1-14/qid=1157652167/ref=sr_1_14/103-6850668-7337450?ie=UTF8&s=books


Those should get you started. Have fun with SQL, I still love it and it has given me a very good living.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

John

[mark]

John, IndyTim, thanks for the suggestions - I'll be sure to check them out. And thanks for the encouraging words!

Mark