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SQL QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner's Guide to Managing, Analyzing, and Manipulating Data With SQL

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THE BEST SQL BOOK FOR BEGINNERS IN 2024 - HANDS DOWN!*INCLUDES FREE ACCESS TO A SAMPLE DATABASE, SQL BROWSER APP, COMPREHENSION QUIZES & SEVERAL OTHER DIGITAL RESOURCES!*The same book currently in used in college-level courses while remaining approachable for beginners!Not sure how to prepare for the data-driven future?This book shows you EXACTLY what you need to know to successfully use the SQL programming language to enhance your career!* #1 BEST SELLER *Are you a developer who wants to expand your mastery to database management?Then you NEED this book. Buy now and start reading today!Are you a project manager who needs to better understand your development team’s needs? A decision maker who needs to make deeper data-driven analysis?Everything you need to know is included in these pages!The ubiquity of big data means that now more than ever there is a burning need to warehouse, access, and understand the contents of massive databases quickly and efficiently.That’s where SQL comes in.SQL is the workhorse programming language that forms the backbone of modern data management and interpretation.Any database management professional will tell you that despite trendy data management languages that come and go, SQL remains the most widely used and most reliable to date, with no signs of stopping. In this comprehensive guide, experienced mentor and SQL expert Walter Shields draws on his considerable knowledge to make the topic of relational database management accessible, easy to understand, and highly actionable.SQL QuickStart Guide is ideal for those seeking to increase their job prospects and enhance their careers, for developers looking to expand their programming capabilities, or for anyone who wants to take advantage of our inevitably data-driven future—even with no prior coding experience!SQL QuickStart Guide is Perfect Professionals looking to augment their job skills in preparation for a data-driven futureJob seekers who want to pad their skills and resume for a durable employability edgeBeginners with zero prior experienceManagers, decision makers, and business owners looking to manage data-driven business insightsDevelopers looking to expand their mastery beyond the full stackAnyone who wants to be better prepared for our data-driven future!In SQL QuickStart Guide You’ll The basic structure of databases—what they are, how they work, and how to successfully navigate themHow to use SQL to retrieve and understand data no matter the scale of a database (aided by numerous images and examples)The most important SQL queries, along with how and when to use them for best effectProfessional applications of SQL and how to “sell” your new SQL skills to your employer, along with other career-enhancing considerations*LIFETIME ACCESS TO FREE SQL RESOURCES*:Each book comes with free lifetime access to tons of exclusive online resources to help you master SQL, such as workbooks, cheat sheets and reference guides.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2019

312 people are currently reading
246 people want to read

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Ajita Gupta.
96 reviews
December 26, 2021
A fantastic must-read book! I have done several back-end related projects both at university and industry. What I missed was a comprehensive book on how to deal with databases. Packed with lots of examples and beginner-content this book satisfied my need to write SQL, a skill not taught at university. I highly recommend this book because SQL is one of the most in-demand skills in today's world. Where online tutorials serve as an encyclopedia to the syntax, this book gives the bigger picture along with all the tools and techniques you will need in your first year as a back-end / front-end programmer or a data analyst. Online tutorials on udemy unfortunately don't cover all important topics. This book does. Buy this one! It's merely a weekend read and gives you all the knowledge you need to get started!
11.2k reviews45 followers
April 16, 2022
Learning the basics of how powerful MSSQL can be

SQL Quickstart Guide is a good book if you are a beginner with MSSQL. It gives a nice and easy to understand overview of MSSQL, coding and queries, examples, and more. I have worked with MSSQL databases for years now but going back to the basics sometimes is a good thing as it reminds you of some things which can be done and how, or at least the basics of how and then you can build on them. I would not have an issue RECOMMENDING THIS BOOK to other users who are trying to get a bit more techie and expand their knowledge of what can be done with MSSQL and the data.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. My opinions are my own.
3 reviews
September 26, 2020
This book is good to start with sql, reads pretty easily. I liked that it is short and contains only the text on the subject, not trying to use metaphors in a ELI5 style. Short, on-the-point introduction for those already having some understanding about programming and db. Actually, there is only one thing that I disliked about this book, sql code examples do not have a semicolon, that must placed at the end.
4 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2024
Did SQL a couple years back but forgot everything. Had only a day to relearn everything for an interview and this book helped me get back up to speed. Great for beginners or a quick reference but note that it's very basic and doesn't include more advanced topics like subqueries and table constraints/architecture. Well written and organized nonetheless.
Profile Image for Robert Brightwell.
61 reviews
July 24, 2025
This is a great book for the SQL beginner. I really knew nothing about SQL before starting this book and I now feel like I have a great foundation for building a new set of skills. It is great that there is a database that goes with the book so that you can work through all the exercises with real data. I will likely reread this book several times to make sure I have all the basics covered.
Profile Image for Chelsea Covey.
111 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2020
This is a great guide to jump start your understanding of sql queries. I use this book pretty frequently at work for reference and it's really set me apart from my peers. Of the books I read on this topic, I'd say this was the best in clarity and reference use.
Profile Image for David.
70 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2020
Well Organized Emphasis on the Basics of SQL[return][return]Great for people new to SQL. Simply stated and good examples that introduce SQL basics.[return][return]Book includes a sample database to run SQL statements so readers can experience the utility of SQL.
198 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2022
This book is amazing! And it comes with free digital learning tools, too! Thats quite a bonus for someone like me who needs more than just the words on the page to get the info to sink in. This is such an amazing and vast resource to learn from.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Kennedy.
491 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2023
Excellent basic view of SQL, most places of employment assume you know these things and yet you have never been formally taught. I came away with a much improved ability to write and read code. Recommended!
Profile Image for WAHID MD.
2 reviews
December 7, 2024
Awesome book for stepping into the world of SQL.
Greatly written with an easy to digest flow, building upon each other.
Mostly appropriate for DATA ANALYST since the queries are structured around finding insight into a hypothetical music selling company.
But anyone can benefit!
171 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2020
Very nice, welcoming, easy intro to SQL.
2 reviews
September 18, 2020
Good info

Easy read and very informative. Gets you all the basics to start and enough complexity to make it worth while to read.
Profile Image for Joe.
150 reviews1 follower
Read
October 28, 2020
Review & reinforcement. Need more though.
1 review
August 10, 2021
Great

Great for begginers. Easy to understand and good real life examples. I highly recommend this book. This is called a must!!
Profile Image for Doris Voina.
28 reviews10 followers
February 9, 2022
Great for a complete newbie like myself.
Might want to add other resources for more advanced SQL queries.
19 reviews
July 15, 2022
Читал в переводе....

Классная подача материала.
Мне помогла разобраться с моментами в которых я путался.
Рекомендую.
Profile Image for Ishi C.
95 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2024
Very informative! Will definitely be reading more QuickStart guides 😃
Profile Image for Elizabeth Parker.
Author 47 books21 followers
June 8, 2025
Very helpful book if you are looking to learn SQL or brush up on some things.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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