Practical SQL, 2nd Edition: A Beginner's Guide to Storytelling with Data
Product ID: 366272863
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Analyze data like a pro, even if you’re a beginner. Practical SQL is an approachable and fast-paced guide to SQL (Structured Query Language), the standard programming language for defining, organizing, and exploring data in relational databases. Anthony DeBarros, a journalist and data analyst, focuses on using SQL to find the story within your data. The examples and code use the open-source database PostgreSQL and its companion pgAdmin interface, and the concepts you learn will apply to most database management systems, including MySQL, Oracle, SQLite, and others.* You’ll first cover the fundamentals of databases and the SQL language, then build skills by analyzing data from real-world datasets such as US Census demographics, New York City taxi rides, and earthquakes from US Geological Survey. Each chapter includes exercises and examples that teach even those who have never programmed before all the tools necessary to build powerful databases and access information quickly and efficiently. You’ll learn how to: Create databases and related tables using your own data Aggregate, sort, and filter data to find patterns Use functions for basic math and advanced statistical operations Identify errors in data and clean them up Analyze spatial data with a geographic information system (PostGIS) Create advanced queries and automate tasks This updated second edition has been thoroughly revised to reflect the latest in SQL features, including additional advanced query techniques for wrangling data. This edition also has two new chapters: an expanded set of instructions on for setting up your system plus a chapter on using PostgreSQL with the popular JSON data interchange format. Learning SQL doesn’t have to be dry and complicated. Practical SQL delivers clear examples with an easy-to-follow approach to teach you the tools you need to build and manage your own databases. * Microsoft SQL Server employs a variant of the language called T-SQL, which is not covered by Practical SQL . Review: Great book, well worth the money - This is one of the better computer manuals for the beginner/general public that I have encountered. The pace is good and fast but he explains everything you need to know in detail -- once. With a big bold heading so you don't miss it. The examples and the writing are crisp and to the point. The code is easy to download and obtain. I first worked through this book on my public library's subscription to the online edition when I realized this was one I needed to buy because I go back to it so much. I also want to add that the physical book is very well made. It holds up to a lot of abuse, has thick pages, good type, and is very well bound. You can spill a full cup of coffee on the thing, you can bend it backwards while reading on the couch with one hand, you can write in black ink all over the pages -- I have done all these things and the book is very much intact. Tough paper and very tough, nearly waterproof cover. I usually feel ripped off when I buy a new book, but not this time. Review: Outstanding for learning SQL - I tried several "beginner" SQL books, and this one is a keeper. Of all the books out there, this one has practical exercises throughout that are easy to follow and logically progress, and best of all they work flawlessly! The writer of this book took the time and effort to clearly document the steps necessary to install and use PostgreSQL, and consequently I was able to easily install my PostgreSQL instance and do all the practical exercises, which is essential to learning.
| Best Sellers Rank | #18,861 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #1 in Computer Programming Structured Design #1 in SQL #3 in Data Mining (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 286 Reviews |
P**A
Great book, well worth the money
This is one of the better computer manuals for the beginner/general public that I have encountered. The pace is good and fast but he explains everything you need to know in detail -- once. With a big bold heading so you don't miss it. The examples and the writing are crisp and to the point. The code is easy to download and obtain. I first worked through this book on my public library's subscription to the online edition when I realized this was one I needed to buy because I go back to it so much. I also want to add that the physical book is very well made. It holds up to a lot of abuse, has thick pages, good type, and is very well bound. You can spill a full cup of coffee on the thing, you can bend it backwards while reading on the couch with one hand, you can write in black ink all over the pages -- I have done all these things and the book is very much intact. Tough paper and very tough, nearly waterproof cover. I usually feel ripped off when I buy a new book, but not this time.
W**.
Outstanding for learning SQL
I tried several "beginner" SQL books, and this one is a keeper. Of all the books out there, this one has practical exercises throughout that are easy to follow and logically progress, and best of all they work flawlessly! The writer of this book took the time and effort to clearly document the steps necessary to install and use PostgreSQL, and consequently I was able to easily install my PostgreSQL instance and do all the practical exercises, which is essential to learning.
M**N
A Great Book for Learning PostgreSQL
I appreciate the way DeBarros has written this book in such a way that it breaks down complex concepts into manageable and clear explanations. DeBarros offers numerous real-world examples that demonstrate how SQL can be used to solve everyday data problems. Each chapter builds on the previous one, gradually introducing more advanced topics while reinforcing foundational skills. Definitely recommend for those interested in learning SQL.
J**E
Actually practical and makes learning easy
I just completed my master's program in Data Science and I can honestly say that this is the BEST text book I have read throughout my ENTIRE collegiate career. I wish I had read Chapter 11 on statistics in the start of my career because now I completely understand it. Ugh, you live and you learn.
K**C
Good book
I am almost done with reading this book and I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because it is very wordy. Which ends up making the text seem boring in a sense. However, I do not think this book was written for people like me who would have preferred the text to go through more of the database design process than data manipulation. Hence I assume that this book would fit a data science quite well but a dev trying to quickly learn a stack before graduation not so much. Would I buy it again? => Nope, I would go for a thinner quicker read. But I am going to keep it and use it as a reference to any future data manipulation.
M**H
Great for beginners!
Great book learned so much!
P**S
Great book
This book is excellent for beginners to SQL. I already had a solid foundation, but reading through from beginning to end, I learned quite a lot. The author explains concepts in great detail with clear examples. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn SQL, or just to have as a quick reference for any of the concepts within.
L**O
Beginner friendly
Excellent book, specially if you are looking for a career in Cybersecurity.
G**N
About book
Very good
A**L
Garage
Great
D**I
SQL Book
I started learning SQL from this book. I like this book as it starts with simple and easy steps.
Y**Y
SQL
We know it's old but still relevant
C**S
Excellent for beginners and those who like to reinforce the basics in SQL
The book is very easy to read and follow. Although it uses PosgresSQL (which is very good and I recommend to use) the author uses examples for SQL Standard which makes this book a good source of information for any SQL language such as MYSQL. In case you don't use PostgresSQL I recommend you to review at the same time the documentation of the other language you are using, so it will be easier for you to associate the concepts that come in the book. If you already have some experience in school and want to go deeper into databases, this book will give you a very good foundation or at least serve to revisit it every time you want to reinforce a topic. The book is very easy to read and follow. Although it uses PosgresSQL (which is very good and I recommend to use) the author uses examples for SQL Standard which makes this book a good source of information for any SQL language such as MYSQL. In case you don't use PostgresSQL I recommend you to review at the same time the documentation of the other language you are using, so it will be easier for you to associate the concepts that come in the book. If you already have some experience in school and want to go deeper into databases, this book will give you a very good foundation or at least serve to revisit it every time you want to reinforce a topic. In general, it is a good book for beginners or people who want to reinforce their basics.
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