Review by David Haertzen
The Murach’s latest book about SQL Server 2012 is your key to being an expert in this useful technology. This nearly 800 page book exceeds my expectations for books that teach database and software development. Murach’s SQL Server 2012 for Developers is a current book – it supports the last SQL Server version – 2012.
This book could also be useful for learning SQL Server 2008. Just keep in mind that some new features described in the book, such as the THROW command are new for 2012.
First, Bryan Syverson and Joel Murach provide an overview of databases and SQL. This would be useful for the database beginner. Then they introduce the use of tools which is a practical way to start using the database. Instructions are provided to download no cost software versions to enable hands on experience. SQL Server 2012 Express Edition, a free version of SQL Server 2012, and SQL Server 2012 Management Studio Express, a free development environment are used as platforms for training. In addition, sample code and data are provided by Murach to support hands on learning.
Next the book teaches essential SQL skills. There are a number of skill levels for querying data, starting with querying a single table, the multiple tables followed by summary queries and subqueries. The chapter about subqueries is especially good and will help you to move from beginner to intermediate or advanced. Next, the book shows how to maintain SQL Server 2012 databases using the insert, update and delete statements. Use of data types and functions rounds out the basic SQL skills.
Full review in Infogoal