| Below is a selected list of books from Amazon.com on the subjects of:
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SQL
 The introductory guide describes the full capacity of SQL3 as it is implemented by commercial databases. The third edition adds sections on stored procedure and triggers, object-oriented concepts, and application development with pre-programmed SQL, and a chapter on using SQL in combination with ODBC. The CD-ROM contains SOLID server and SQL editor for experimenting with exercises in the book. |
 Ben Forta has done a great job distilling the most pertinent basic SQL concepts into simple, easy to read form. Befitting its "10 minute" moniker, this is a wonderful book for new SQL programmers. But it's also subtly different in a way that will particularly suit folks coming into SQL for the first time as part of their involvement in using web database development tools such as ColdFusion and Active Server Pages. |
 This book has excellent examples of SQL-92 to demonstrate effective SQL commands for the major RDBMSs. It also shows common mistakes and how to avoid them. There is a lot of hand-holding throughout the book, and the explanations are deliberate and well thought out. Topics covered include database design, creating and filling a database, selecting data, sorting, grouping, joins, subqueries, views, an overview of security, transactions, performance, and integrity, real world business problems, and how to avoid mistakes. |
 This title is not for novices, its intended audience is SQL programmers with at least a year's experience. The book maintains a fine balance between technical discussion and practical explanation--picking hot topics and offering advice on a wide range of issues. Celko covers all aspects of database design, optimization, and manipulation, with easy-to-understand explanations of key issues such as why not to use too many nulls, how to use practical normalization, and how to optimize queries.
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 Database specialist Bowman takes off where her 1996 Practical SQL Handbook leaves off, going beyond the basic query structure and simple examples to explore the complexities of using Structured Query Language to meet real-world business needs. She describes dealing with legacy systems, inherited problematic code, dirty data, and query tuning for better performance. She assumes readers to have a solid foundation in databases and the language. The accompanying disk contains the entire database used as an example throughout the text. |
 If you're working with an enterprise DBMS, then you're probably using SQL, the standard query language for relational databases. Like most computer languages, SQL can be overwhelming when you first see it. The book you are holding will help you wipe away the confusion so that you understand SQL and how it works.
Packed with tips, tricks, and "that's how it works" information, SQL Clearly Explained covers proper structure of SQL queries, how to produce a desired result and minimize burden on SQL command processors, and how to modify data and database structure for ease of use and increased efficiency. Written with both beginner and intermediate database developers in mind, this clear concise guide teaches readers about the relationships between the distribution of data in a database and the way in which queries of various types are processed.
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 A unique, visual approach to learning Structured Query Language (SOL), a widely-used tool for accessing data stored in relational database systems. This diagram-based tutorial presents the language in an easily-accessible way, making it a more effective learning tool than other texts. |
 First let me tell you why NOT TO BUY this book: You want to learn how to create SQL statements- there are lots of SQL manuals that are better, and easier to use as a reference because they are lighter in pounds. You want to learn advanced issues in creating a database- if you are that advanced you should buy a book about the particular issue you need help with.
Now let me to you WHY TO BUY this book: If you are just building databases complex enough to get into real trouble (and that happens a lot sooner than you may think) you must read this book. It gives an overview of all the problems you need to think about. Very simple databases can get into trouble if you aren't very careful about data integrity and security. This book will raise warning-flags in your head- to find out what do about those warning-flags, however, you may need to go to a book specifically about your application or problem.
Kimberly Daniels
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Database Design
 There are many, many SQL books in the market. Very few good ones. And even fewer excellent ones. This is one of those few outstanding books which not only teach you some of the basic concepts but also to think. Readers of common trade books may get disappointed by its style, because it is simple but deeper and these readers expect the ABC of the other books. But please do persist and it will eventually change the way you think about databases and consequently the way you work and think about what you do and how you do what you do. |
 This new edition of Database Modeling & Design continues to focus on the techniques for relational database design introduced in previous editions, starting with the entity-relationship (ER) approach for data requirements specification and conceptual and operations shared among the relational model and advanced database technologies such as the object-oriented, temporal, and multimedia models. A full chapter is devoted to database design techniques for data warehousing and online analytical... |
 Information Modeling and Relational Databases provides an introduction to ORM (Object Role Modeling)-and much more. In fact, it's the only book to go beyond introductory coverage and provide all of the in-depth instruction you need to transform knowledge from domain experts into a sound database design.
Inside, ORM authority Terry Halpin blends conceptual information with practical instruction that will let you begin using ORM effectively as soon as possible. Supported by examples, exercises, and useful background information, his step-by-step approach teaches you to develop a natural-language-based ORM model and then, where needed, abstract ER and UML models from it. This book will quickly make you proficient in the modeling technique that is proving vital to the development of accurate and efficient databases that best meet real business objectives.
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 This book is not a database book, nor does it try to be that. For anyone who understands the role of logical data modelling, this book will prove to be a valuable addition to your professional bookshelf. It is filled with detailed examples of good & bad models, along with analyses that list the pros & cons of each approach. I'd recommend this to any intelligent professional who is moving into the data architect role, along with experienced modellers who are looking for analyses of data modelling implications.
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 Relational Database Design Clearly Explained teaches database practitioners the principles of good relational database design. It discusses tradeoffs between theory and practice (i.e. when it's ok to violate a principle of good design in order to improve performance). The book also shows readers how to construct the SQL statements needed to install well-designed relational databases, and discusses other performance related database design issues, such as indexes and clustering.
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 If you or your company is heavily invested in a relational database system, someone somewhere has probably told you that you should consider going object-oriented-whatever that means. Although object orientation is well understood and accepted in application development, its role in database systems is just beginning to emerge. The lack of an accepted standard only adds to the uncertainty.
This book will help you make sense of the conflicting theories and vendor claims about object-oriented database systems. |
 In The Data Warehouse Lifecycle Toolkit, authors Ralph Kimball, Laura Reeves, Margy Ross, and Warren Thornthwaite present a structure for undertaking the awesome task of implementing a data warehouse. As part of a rather select group of professionals actually experienced in building data warehouses, the authors attempt to convey their expertise about how to approach the job. The book focuses on the "Star Lifecycle"--a high-level project-planning approach to evolving existing information systems into an ever-changing data-warehouse solution.
Stephen Plain
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 I adopted this as the text for graduate MIS courses in database design/logical data modeling almost 10 years ago. Still the best working reference on relational databases from logical design through physical issues on indexes, tuning, etc. The only reference book I recommend to anyone needing to understand relational database design.
M.C. Kettelhut, Ph.D. |
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Delphi
 This book is an effective desktop reference to this programming tool. This book provides a listing of all core classes and a host of expert dos and don'ts for mastering the newest features in Delphi's Object Pascal.
The heart of this book is its reference sections on built-in Delphi language features and other useful information on this tool. Each entry has a guide to syntax, a description of all parameters and return values, and code samples, plus many entries feature "tricks and tips" with additional information. While this title concentrates on the "core" language, there's little doubt that it will be useful if you work with the tool on a daily basis.
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 Weighing in at over 1,500 pages, Delphi 5 Developer's Guide updates a classic text on Delphi programming with a new edition that highlights the latest and greatest in version 5. Whether you are new to Delphi or a seasoned veteran, this book will help you get the most out of this powerful development tool, including database, Internet, and thin-client computing.
The sheer size of Delphi 5 Developer's Guide makes it a standout. (This already massive book bundles 11 "extra" chapters on the accompanying CD-ROM on such topics as graphics programming and coding standards.) The text presents how-to information on a wealth of topics, along with short code excerpts and complete programs where appropriate.
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 Advanced Delphi Developer's Guide to ADO targets the growing market of Delphi programmers and developers who are interested in database programming in Microsoft Universal Data Access architecture using Microsoft ActiveX objects for the family of Windows operating systems.
This new book from Federov and Elmanova is the only book on the market that targets this important software development topic. |
 This is a sophisticated title targeted at advanced developers. Author Julian Bucknall works for one of Inprise's leading and oldest third-party library and tool companies, TurboPower, where he is in charge of technical development. This is the only book on the market that will provide Delphi developers with a comprehensive and current overview of using algorithms and data structures from a practical, not a theoretical, textbook perspective. The book will include a wealth of code examples appropriate for practicing developers. Bucknall's title will provide comprehensive coverage of such topics as arrays, binary trees, data compression, and other advanced topics not treated in any competing titles. The CD includes the author's highly successful freeware library EZDSL along with the code from the book.
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Interface Design
 Cooper's book is a must read for anyone serious about user interface design, especially for Windows. It explores a wide range of subjects, from understanding users and the goals of UI design to an analysis of the major Windows user interface components. He has many interesting things to say and a great deal of insight. The presentation (which could be significantly improved with better editing) is enjoyable reading and thought provoking. One oddity - Cooper has a penchant for naming things, but unfortunately he isn't very good at it. The book is filled with original, often bizarre names for user interface concepts and components, but you could never use them in public without embarrassment.
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 Raskin (best known as the creator of the Apple Macintosh project) describes flaws in current machine-human interface structures and offers advice on how to fix them. Proceeding from basic facts about how human consciousness interacts with the outside environment, through simple technologies such as radios, to computers, he looks at a number of aspects of interface principles covering keyboards, mouses, screen configuration, and menu bars.
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 In GUI Bloopers, consultant Jeff Johnson uses 550+ pages to illustrate common pitfalls in user interface design, the all-important iceberg tip that end users confuse with applications and that developers confuse with end users. Reporting on 82 incidents of bad design, Johnson manages to cover the essential point of his message: software designers should think of their user interfaces from the user's point of view. Not profound, but profoundly overlooked in most low-end to mid-range development efforts. His codification of GUI design in eight predictable principles will help GUI newbies realize that the customer must be pleased with the product. Of course, the customer doesn't always understand what he or she wants. Hence, GUI development is iterative. When the customer is not at hand, a surrogate will do, so usability testing is essential. |
 Windows 95 seems destined to dominate the marketplace of personal computer operating systems for awhile, so Win95 interface designers have, to my mind, a moral obligation to provide the most pleasing possible aesthetic experience for their huge audiences.
This is a jewel of a book for interface design tailored to Win95. It points out how to take advantage of the great features of the interface tools -- and how to avoid the siren's call of gratuitous graphics. Its topics range broadly from clear coverage of design aesthetics, human factors, and the psychology of visual perception to issues specific to Win95. The world of desktop computing would be a better place if just one chapter -- "Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them" -- was required reading for all Win95 developers. Highly Recommended.
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Java (JDBC, servlets and JSP)
 Aimed at those with some previous Java experience, Core Servlets and JavaServer Pages covers all you need to know to create effective Web applications using server-side Java. Combining plenty of practical advice with detailed information on these APIs, this book provides both the necessary background on Web programming and guidance on using Java effectively to power your Web site.
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 Starting with a grounding in Web application development and technologies, the book introduces the various concepts of using Java to deliver Web content--as well as helping to give you the tools you need to work around the limitations of Web servers and Web browsers. You'll also learn how to develop complex database-driven applications--and how to work faster. Since this is a book on the cutting edge of Java development, you'll also find sections on using Java with XML documents and LAP directory servers, as well as Enterprise Java Beans. There's even a good examination of the next generation of Java technologies--Jini and JavaSpaces--with a look at how these can be used in Web applications.
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 For readers with some previous Java experience, Professional JSP is a comprehensive guide to today's JavaServer Pages (JSPs). Besides a solid tutorial on JSPs and servlets, this book gives you lots of useful examples of how JSPs can work with other Java APIs (like EJBs and XML) to deliver highly functional Web sites.
Professional JSP shows the underlying servlet code for many JSP samples. As explained by the authors, JSPs are a simpler way to write servlet code because Java statements are embedded within HTML. This fact makes the book especially useful to programmers who know about servlets and want to progress to JSP development. The introductory tutorial to JSP is as good as any you'll ever see. Short examples illustrate basic JSP features like directives, scripting elements, implicit objects, and JavaBeans. The book also reveals a variety of ways to track session information (including cookies), which is particularly helpful.
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 The second edition of the JDBC API Tutorial and Reference provides a worthwhile tour of the new features in Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) 2.0 and serves well as a reference to Sun's new standard for Java database programming.
Once you open this book, it becomes quickly obvious that it is more comprehensive than the first edition. The new edition begins with an overview of the JDBC API, including its architecture and overall design. Beginners will also be pleased with a short breakdown of the Java programming language and SQL basics.
Most of the book (over 600 pages) functions as a reference containing every JDBC 2.0 class. Presented alphabetically, each class comes with an introductory definition and a complete listing of its constituent members and methods (including deprecated APIs). Final sections include a guide to "SQL to Java" mappings and tips for writing JDBC drivers.
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Web Programming
 This book covers middle-tier programming with PHP.
PHP is a server-side, HTML-embedded scripting language. It is an open source technology, rapidly gaining popularity as a scripting language for people running dynamic websites. One of its major attractions over Perl, JavaScript and other scripting languages is that PHP has a built-in database integration layer and seamless IP connectivity, with LDAP and TCP as well as the IMAP mail interface. Features;
Real world, practical experience and techniques
From installation and configuration of the PHP engine to advanced dynamic application design
Definitive coverage of core PHP language and database addressing:
MySQL is covered in depth.
Practical e-commerce and business scripting including database application development, together with PHP and XML applications.
LDAP connectivity addressed.
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 As Web sites continue to grow in complexity and in the volume of data they must present, databases increasingly drive their content. WEB DATABASE DEVELOPMENT FUNDAMENTALS is ideal for the beginning-to-intermediate Web developer, departmental power user, or entrepreneur who wants to step up to a database-driven Web site-without buying several in-depth guides to the different technologies involved. This book uses the clear Microsoft(r) Step by Step tutorial method to familiarize developers with the technologies for building smart Web sites that present data more easily.
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 A tutorial of 24 lessons on PHP4, an open source Web scripting language. No prior experience of programming is assumed, although some understanding of the Web and of HTML is useful. Part I introduces PHP4, and Part II covers basic features of any language. Part III covers PHP4 in more detail, looking at functions and techniques for programming, and Part IV presents a complete example. Includes summaries, quizes, and activities. Zandstra runs a Web design company and has developed software in PHP.
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A few years ago, I gave up on PHP because the books available were so terrible. When PHP4 came out, I decided to revisit both the scripting language and the available resources.
First, the excellent Wrox books came out, and now PHP Cookbook, another excellent resource for PHP programmers. The code snippets are useful on their own, and the coverage of the language is very good. I find myself turning to it even to look up basic function calls, because the use of the function often points out approaches (and additional functionality) that I wasn't aware of.
The book and code samples are well-written, my only complaint is that the source code for the recipes aren't available.
Michael Tacelosky
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