SQLAuthority News – Book Review – Beginning SQL Joes 2 Pros: The SQL Hands-On Guide for Beginners

Beginning SQL Joes 2 Pros: The SQL Hands-On Guide for Beginners
Rick A Morelan, Doug Fritz

Link to Amazon

Short Review:

This is one book that provides a solid fundamental to the reader along with hands-on experience  and in-depth learning. Right now, an error-free book that is closer to real world scenarios is very much in need. This one fundamental book can take the reader for a wonderful ride, where he/she can learn the advanced aspects of the subject very quickly. Instead of pure theory, this book focuses on real diagrams, examples or just a pure old–school-style exercise, which appeals the readers the most.

Detail Review:
Almost all of us agree on the fact that there are very few SQL Server Experts in the industry. There are really not many SQL Server Experts out there when compared to the work load available. There is always demand of good employees everywhere and every time. There has not been a single scenario where a truly talented person has no job, but there have been many instances where a great potential project has been started due to lack of experts. Now the real question is how do these excellent people excel every time? How did they start and how did they ever reach where they are today. The answer is simple – Solid Fundamentals. Solid Fundamentals come from hands-on experience.

The book written by Rick is one of those books I am delighted to read myself. I have referred this book to many professionals and beginners and have received very positive comments. The reason why I personally liked the book is that it is loyal to the title till the last page. I know Rick; he is a master and expert in Database. When you meet him, you won’t fail to notice the spark and enthusiasm in his eyes for this technology. He has understood the fundamentals very thoroughly and has expressed deep understanding of the subject. Besides all these, he takes care not to show off his status or knowledge in the book. This book reflects his deep understanding, without arrogance or overuse of the word “I.” In fact, his book is one of those books, which does not lose its focus – i.e., the readers – which is all of us.

This book starts with some very basic concepts; if you are an expert or have experience of more than 5 years in database, you can skim through the first 3 chapters. I personally read through them as I had figured out that no matter how much I know, I always learn something new. Chapter 4 on Query Strategies is the point you need to stop and start paying attention to the details. Rick has masterfully laid all the chapters after that and I have personally learned some new tricks as well.

Chapter 9 is again one of those chapters which I recommend for every expert. It talks about transaction control language. This stands important to all of those who do not use transactional control language command on a daily basis. After completing this chapter, I really wanted to read more of it.

The most attractive point of this book is the sections which show up in each chapter – Points to Ponder, Review Quiz, Glossary and Bug Catcher Game. The unique addition here is the Bug Catcher Game. I have no doubt that this section will soon become main stream and you will start finding it in many different books – such a novel idea to learn a subject!

Rating: 4.5 Stars out of 5 Star

Note: If my daughter ever decides to learn SQL Server, I will surely ask her to read this book.

Reference: Pinal Dave (https://blog.sqlauthority.com)