Synopsis
SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standardized query language for requesting information from a database. Historically, SQL has been the choice for database management systems running on minicomputers and mainframes. Increasingly, however, SQL is being adapted to PC database systems because it supports distributed databases - databases that are spread out over several computer systems, so that several users on a local-area network can access the same database simultaneously. Although there are different dialects of SQL, it is the closest thing to a standard query language that currently exists. "SQL in a Nutshell" is a practical command reference to the Structured Query Language (SQL99), helping readers learn how their favourite database product supports any standard SQL command. This book presents each of the SQL commands and describes its use in both commercial (Microsoft SQL Server 2000 and Oracle 8i) and open source (MySQL, PostgreSQL 7.0) implementations. Each command reference includes the command syntax (by vendor, if the syntax differs across implementations), a description, and informative examples that illustrate important concepts and uses. "SQL in a Nutshell" is more than a reference guide for experienced SQL programmers, analysts, and database administrators. It also aims to provide a learning resource for novice and auxiliary SQL users such as system administrators, users of packaged client/server products, and consultants who need to be familiar with the various SQL dialects across many platforms.
About the Author
Kevin Kline serves as the lead information architect for shared information services at Deloitte & Touche LLP. When he's not pulling out his hair over work issues, he likes to spend time with his wife and kids, garden, restore his '66 Chevy truck, and play classical guitar. After finishing SQL in a Nutshell, Kevin doesn't want to look at a computer outside of work hours for months! Kevin is the author of Transact-SQL Programming for O'Reilly & Associates. He is also the co-author of Professional SQL Server 6.5 Admin (WROX Press) and author of Oracle CDE: Reference and User's Guide (Butterworth-Heinemann). He can be reached at kekline@compuserve.com. Other than being Kevin's brother, Daniel Kline is an assistant professor of English at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, where he specializes in medieval literature, literary and cultural theory, and computer assisted pedagogy. Dan's technical specialty is in HTML and web applications for higher education.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.