SQL stands for Structured Query Language.
SQL provides for communication with database engines on the command line.
SQL is the standard language to construct queries on tabular data--the rows are records of the table, and the columns are the fields.
The Practical SQL Handbook : Using Structured Query Language - This superb text explains Structured Query Language (SQL) simply without being condescending and deeply without being obscure. From its early chapters about relational database theory to its superb coverage of transaction management, this book is informative and easy to follow. The authors begin by explaining how to design efficient data structures, an important part of database management. From there, they discuss how to populate a database with pieces of data and then explain how to construct queries that extract needed information. Throughout, the text is filled with statements, code, and output--and even common SQL errors. You ought to be able to follow along on any ANSI SQL 92-compliant system as you read this book. Later chapters cover reports, joins, views, subqueries, and security. The authors explain each from a practical point of view. A section on common business-database tasks (how to specify decimal precision, for example) confirms this point of view. A good glossary exists in the back of this book, and a comprehensive table documents the differences among Sybase, Microsoft, Informix, and Oracle SQL command sets.
Mastering SQL - SQL is the only universal database language; just about every database programmer and administrator needs to know about it. This newly updated edition of the classic Understanding SQL gives newcomers everything they need to know to get started working with SQL code, plus it contains coverage of the brand-new SQL 3 standard. Includes a complete integrated statement reference, an introduction to SQL99, coverage of SQLJ (which enables you to embed SQL code within Java), and coverage of database design, code optimization, and internationalization.
The Essence of SQL : A Guide to Learning Most of SQL in the Least Amount of Time - Ideal for programmers, managers, and students who want to quickly acquire an in-depth understanding of SQL, this book covers the important aspects of the programming language. It takes the readers from the fundamentals to the most complex features of SQL, providing a smooth transition from other programming languages.
Joe Celko's SQL for Smarties: Advanced SQL Programming - In the SQL database community, Joe Celko is a well-known columnist and purveyor of valuable insights. In Joe Celko's SQL for Smarties: Advanced SQL Programming, he picks up where basic SQL training and experience leaves many database professionals and offers tips, techniques, and explanations that help readers extend their capabilities to top-tier SQL programming. Although Celko denies that the book is about database theory, he nevertheless alludes to theory often to buttress his practical points. This title is not for novices, as the author points out. Instead, its intended audience is SQL programmers with at least a year's experience. The book maintains a fine balance between technical discussion and practical explanation--picking hot topics and offering advice on a wide range of issues. The book uses ANSI SQL-89 as its baseline standard, with some mention of SQL-92 features. It does not, however, focus on any commercial product; this guide zeroes in on the SQL language. Celko covers all aspects of database design, optimization, and manipulation, with easy-to-understand explanations of key issues such as why not to use too many nulls, how to use practical normalization, and how to optimize queries.