SQL in easy steps, 3rd edition

Book excerpt: 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. SQL in easy steps, 3rd edition has an easy-to-follow style that will appeal to anyone who wants to begin using databases. It is aimed at those with little or no experience of SQL. From web developers wanting to add database interaction to their web sites, programmers wanting to quickly add SQL to their skills set, hobbyists who want to begin creating SQL scripts for upload to their own ISP, to students or to those seeking a career in computing, this book will appeal to all who need a fundamental understanding of database administration with SQL. SQL in easy steps, 3rd edition begins by explaining how to download and install the free MySQL database server on both Windows and Linux platforms. This allows you to establish an environment in which to develop and administer your own databases. This book makes no assumption that you will have previous knowledge of any programming or scripting language so it's ideal for the newcomer to SQL. Each chapter builds your knowledge of executing database queries. 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. By the end of this book you will have gained a sound understanding of the Structured Query Language and be able to write your own SQL scripts to insert, extract and manipulate data. Updated and revised with the latest techniques since the second edition, which was published in 2005. All examples given in this 3rd edition demonstrate SQL features using the current MySQL Relational Database Management System that is supported on both Windows and Linux operating systems. Table of Contents 1) Introducing SQL 2) Getting Started 3) Creating database tables 4) Inserting data into tables 5) Retrieving data from tables 6) Sorting retrieved data 7) Simple data filtering 8) Complex data filtering 9) Generating calculated fields 10) Manipulating data 11) Grouping table data 12) Making complex queries 13) Joining database tables