Josip Miskovic
Josip Miskovic

7 Best SQL Books in 2023

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  • Window functions are a powerful tool that can allow you to do a variety of tasks, such as pivoting data and calculating aggregates.
  • If you're not using window functions, you're missing out on some powerful features.
  • Pivoting rows into columns, reverse-pivoting columns into rows, and using pivoting to facilitate inter-row calculations are just a few of the things that you can do with window functions.
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  • Filter data using the WHERE clause
  • Sort data using the ORDER BY clause
  • Use mathematical operators in SELECT statements
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  • Explore the fundamental structure of databases
  • Retrieve and understand data using SQL queries
  • Understand professional applications for SQL
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  • Understand the basics of indexing and the WHERE clause
  • Understand how to improve database performance
  • Gain an understanding of all parts of an SQL statement
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This is a list of the best SQL books in 2023 you can use to learn SQL.

SQL is a language used to talk to a database. This language is standardized by the American National Standards Institute. It is used for managing relational databases.

SQL can be deceiving because it is easy to understand. But there is more to SQL than just the basic command: SELECT columns FROM table WHERE criteria. You can do a lot more with SQL if you know how to use it correctly.

Find the best SQL book based on your skills:

Best SQL books based on the topic:

Having a good SQL IDE will help you learn SQL quicker.

1. SQL Cookbook

SQL Cookbook Cover

The book is focused on sophisticated writing, preparing your data, and reporting. It provides scenarios that are based on real-life so you can better understand the material. If you are a beginner or intermediate learner, this book will help you.

This book covers many different types of RDBMs. It is organized into different topics, and each topic has many recipes. The recipes are well-organized, starting with the simplest ones and progressing to more complex ones. This takes you step by step in learning the details of each topic. There is also a well-documented description of queries.

Authors: Anthony Molinaro

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

  • Window functions are a powerful tool that can allow you to do a variety of tasks, such as pivoting data and calculating aggregates.
  • If you're not using window functions, you're missing out on some powerful features.
  • Pivoting rows into columns, reverse-pivoting columns into rows, and using pivoting to facilitate inter-row calculations are just a few of the things that you can do with window functions.
  • Other advanced techniques such as bucketization and string parsing allow you to perform even more complex data analysis tasks. Whether you're working with SQL Server, Oracle, or PostgreSQL, there are many useful window function features available to you.
  • Histograms, running-totals and subtotals, and other advanced techniques are just a few of the things that can help you to analyze your data more effectively.

Anthony Molinaro: About the author

Anthony Molinaro is a seasoned SQL developer and database administrator with vast expertise in assisting developers in enhancing their SQL queries. Anthony's love for SQL knows no bounds, and he's become known as the go-to person among his customers in fixing difficult SQL query difficulties. He's well read, understands relational theory well, and has nine years experience as a SQL developer.

2. SQL Practice Problems 57 Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Challenges for You to Solve Using a "Learn-by-doing" Approach

Best practical SQL book

2. SQL Practice Problems Book Cover

SQL Practice Problems is a book that provides you with real-world practice problems to bring your SQL skills to the next level.

The problems in this book are targeted and designed to help you hone your ability to write high-quality SQL code.

If you are looking to improve your SQL skills and become a more skilled data analyst or developer, then SQL Practice Problems is the book for you. This book will provide you with the challenge and confidence you need to step up in your career.

Authors: Sylvia Moestl Vasilik

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

  • Filter data using the WHERE clause
  • Sort data using the ORDER BY clause
  • Use mathematical operators in SELECT statements
  • Combine SELECT statements into a single query using the UNION operator
  • Get started with advanced filtering techniques, including nested WHERE clauses and comparison operators
  • Analyze data using aggregate functions, including the SUM, MAX, MIN, and AVG functions
  • Work with date/time values using various SQL date functions

Sylvia Moestl Vasilik: About the author

Sylvia Moestl Vasilik is a database programmer and engineer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked at top organizations like Expedia, Microsoft, T-Mobile, and the Gates Foundation. In 2015, she was teaching a SQL Server Certificate course at the University of Washington Continuing Education.

3. SQL Quickstart Guide The Simplified Beginner's Guide to Managing, Analyzing, and Manipulating Data with SQL

3. SQL Quickstart Guide Book Cover

SQL QuickStart Guide is an introduction to the SQL programming language. Written by Walter Shields, a database management professional, the book aim to teach beginners how to use SQL to manage data.

The book is perfect for job seekers who want to learn how to use SQL skills on their resumes, for professionals looking to improve their job skills in preparation for a data-driven future, or for anyone who wants to take advantage of the increasing importance of data in our lives.

In SQL QuickStart Guide, you will discover the basic structure of databases, how to use SQL queries, and professional applications of SQL. The book also comes with free lifetime access to exclusive online resources to help you master SQL.

Authors: Walter Shields

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

  • Explore the fundamental structure of databases
  • Retrieve and understand data using SQL queries
  • Understand professional applications for SQL
  • Leverage SQL in your career with guidance on how to “sell” your new skills to your employer
  • Get lifetime access to exclusive online resources to help you master SQL, including workbooks, cheat sheets and reference guides.

Walter Shields: About the author

Walter Shields knows a lot about SQL and databases. He has helped companies like Target Corporation, NYC Transit Authority, and NYC Administration for Children’s Services use their data using SQL.

4. SQL Performance Explained Everything Developers Need to Know about SQL Performance

Best book for SQL performance optimization

4. SQL Performance Explained Book Cover

SQL Performance Explained is a comprehensive guide to improving database performance.

The book focuses on SQL, covering all major SQL databases without getting lost in the details of any one specific product. Starting with the basics of indexing and the WHERE clause, SQL Performance Explained guides developers through all parts of an SQL statement and explains the pitfalls of object-relational mapping (ORM) tools like Hibernate.

Authors: Markus Winand

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

  • Understand the basics of indexing and the WHERE clause
  • Understand how to improve database performance
  • Gain an understanding of all parts of an SQL statement
  • Learn about the pitfalls of ORM tools
  • Understand topics including: multi-column indexes, SQL functions, LIKE queries, join operations, clustering data, and more

5. SQL in 10 Minutes Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes

5. SQL in 10 Minutes Book Cover

Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes is a comprehensive guide to learning SQL. It covers the basics of the language, such as working with data retrieval and filtering, as well as more complex topics like joins and subqueries. The book also teaches how to use aggregate functions, create and alter tables, and work with views and stored procedures.

The book also includes full-color SQL code listings to help the beginner see how the language works. With helpful tips and practical examples, Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes is an ideal way to learn this important database programming language.

The author has revised it many times, so the examples in it are up to date and work with the latest software. The book also covers most of the popular software programs and highlights how they are similar. You'll also learn about different database design principles and how to normalize your data.

Authors: Ben Forta

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

  • Learn the basics of SQL including data retrieval, sorting, and filtering
  • Understand complex SQL statements using multiple clauses and operators
  • Use aggregate functions to summarize data
  • Create advanced joins between tables
  • Insert, update, and delete data in a database table
  • Create and alter a database table
  • Work with views, stored procedures, and more

Ben Forta: About the author

Ben Forta is a senior director of education initiatives at Adobe, with a focus on students' use of Adobe services and tools in communication and storytelling. He is also an author, with over 900,000 books in print, writing primarily on topics related to Adobe products, SQL, classroom creativity, Python, Regular Expressions, ColdFusion, Windows development, and JSP.

6. Microsoft SQL Server 2019 A Beginner's Guide

6. Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Book Cover

This book will help you get up to speed on Microsoft SQL Server 2019. It covers the basics of relational database system concepts and goes on to teach you how to write Transact-SQL statements, execute simple and complex database queries, handle system administration and security, and use powerful analysis and reporting tools.

Overall, this book provides a solid introduction to TSQL and SQL Server for those who want a printed reference. While it is not without its flaws, it is generally accurate and does provide some useful insights.

Authors: Dusan Petkovic

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

  • Install and configure Microsoft SQL Server 2019
  • Create and modify database objects with Transact-SQL statements
  • Write stored procedures and user-defined functions
  • Handle backup and recovery, and automate administrative tasks
  • Tune your database system for optimal availability and reliability
  • Secure your system using authentication, encryption, and authorization
  • Work with SQL Server Analysis Services, Reporting Services, and other BI tools
  • Gain knowledge of relational storage, presentation, and retrieval of data stored in the JSON format
  • Manage graphs using SQL Server Graph Databases
  • Learn about machine learning support for R and Python

7. SQL for Data Analytics

Best SQL book for Data Science

7. SQL for Data Analytics Book Cover

SQL for Data Analytics lets you learn how to find patterns and explain the logic hidden in data.

You'll be able to explore and understand data by identifying trends and unlocking deeper insights.

You'll also gain experience working with different types of data in SQL, including time-series, geospatial, and text data. Finally, you'll learn how to increase your productivity with the help of profiling and automation.

By the end of this book, you'll be able to use SQL in everyday business scenarios efficiently and look at data with the critical eye of an analytics professional. Whether you're a data analyst or aspiring data scientist, SQL for Data Analytics will help you master the essential tools and techniques you need to successfully analyze and model your data.​

Authors: Upom Malik

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

  • Use the WINDOW function to perform advanced statistical calculations
  • Use SQL queries and subqueries to prepare data for analysis
  • Import and export data using a text file and psql
  • Apply special SQL clauses and functions to generate descriptive statistics
  • Analyze special data types in SQL, including geospatial data and time data
  • Optimize queries to improve their performance for faster results
  • Debug queries that won’t run
  • Use SQL to summarize and identify patterns in data

Upom Malik: About the author

Upom Malik is a data scientist who has worked in the technology industry for over 6 years. He has a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Cornell University and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Duke University. Upom uses SQL and other tools to solve interesting challenges in finance, energy, and consumer technologies. While working on analytical problems, he has lived out of a suitcase and spent the last year as a digital nomad.

Josip Miskovic
About Josip

Josip Miskovic is a software developer at Americaneagle.com. Josip has 10+ years in experience in developing web applications, mobile apps, and games.

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