SQL in easy steps

SQL in easy steps instructs the reader how to create and administer databases using the Structured Query Language (SQL). SQL is THE standard language used world-wide for database communication on all popular database software.

It allows the storage and manipulation of data both on Windows platforms and on Unix-based platforms, such as Linux. The book contains exciting chapters on how to selectively extract data from within one, or more, databases and there are complete examples that illustrate each aspect of SQL.

SQL in easy steps begins by explaining how to download and install the free MySQL database server on both Windows and Linux platforms. This allows the reader to establish an environment in which to develop and administer their own databases. This book makes no assumption that the reader will have previous knowledge of any programming or scripting language so it's ideal for the newcomer to SQL. Each chapter builds the reader's knowledge of executing database queries. By the end of this book the reader will have gained a sound understanding of the Structured Query Language and be able to write their own SQL scripts to insert, extract and manipulate data.

SQL in easy steps has an easy-to-follow style that will appeal to anyone who wants to begin using databases. It will appeal to web developers wanting to add database interaction to their web sites. It will appeal to the programmer who quickly wants to add SQL to their skills set. It will appeal to the hobbyist who wants to begin creating SQL scripts for upload to their own ISP. It will appeal to the student, and to those seeking a career in computing, who need a fundamental understanding of database administration with SQL.

Mike McGrath now lives in South-east Europe, on the sun-kissed shores of the Aegean Sea. Mike gained his extensive knowledge of computer languages while working as a developer contracting to companies around the world. His interests include coins of ancient Greece, dining-out with friends, and the ongoing evolution of the world wide web.

1. Introducing SQL
   • What is SQL?
   • Making SQL queries
   • Installing MySQL on Windows
   • Installing MySQL on Linux
   • Installing an ODBC driver
   • Microsoft query tool
   • Summary
2. Getting started with SQL
   • Introducing databases
   • Exploring databases
   • Creating a database
   • Deleting a database
   • Running SQL scripts in MySQL
   • Summary
3. Creating a database table
   • Exploring database tables
   • Creating a table
   • Deleting a table
   • Table data types
   • Table field modifiers
   • Setting the primary key
   • Altering a table
   • Summary
4. Inserting data into tables
   • Inserting complete rows
   • Including a columns list
   • Inserting selected data
   • Updating data
   • Changing specific data
   • Deleting data
   • Summary
5. Retrieving data from tables
   • Retrieving a column
   • Retrieving multiple columns
   • Retrieving a row
   • Copying retrieved data
   • Inserting multiple selected fields
   • Summary
6. Sorting retrieved data
   • Sorting a column
   • Sorting multiple columns
   • Sorting by column position
   • Setting the sort direction
   • Summary
7. Simple data filtering
   • Making comparisons
   • Comparing a single value
   • Comparing a range of values
   • Seeking non-matches
   • Finding null values
   • Summary
8. Complex data filtering
   • Comparing multiple values
   • Comparing alternative values
   • Comparing alternative lists
   • Specifying the evaluation order
   • Matching strings
   • Matching characters
   • Matching regular expressions
   • Summary
9. Generating calculated fields
   • Concatenating fields
   • Trimming padding spaces
   • Using aliases
   • Making arithmetical calculations
   • Summary
10. Manipulating data
    • Introducing functions
    • Text functions
    • Numeric functions
    • Date and time functions
    • System functions
    • Summary
11. Grouping table data
    • Finding summary values
    • Counting rows
    • Discovering total values
    • Working with distinct values
    • Creating data groups
    • Filtering grouped data
    • Sorting filtered group data
    • Summary
12. Making complex queries
    • Using sub-queries
    • Sub-query calculated fields
    • Combining queries
    • Handling duplicate rows
    • Sorting combined query results
    • Summary
13. Joining database tables
    • What are joins ?
    • Creating a join
    • Joining multiple tables
    • Creating self joins
    • Creating natural joins
    • Creating outer joins
    • Summary
14. Reference section
    • SQL statements
    • SQL reserved words

• Zip file containing the SQL code examples (30 KB)