Thread: Looking for an intro-to-SQL book which is PostgreSQL-friendly

All,

I'm looking for an intro-to-SQL book for teaching a class, one aimed at
folks who know *nothing* about RDBMSes, which is not based on MySQL or
MSAccess.  The ones I have on my desk are all based on one or the other,
except The Manga Guide to Databases, which I can't use in a serious class.

The PostgreSQL books I've seen all make the assumption that the reader
already knows what an RDBMS is and a little SQL.  The sole exception to
this may be Beginning Databases with PostgreSQL from Apress, but that
book is somewhat out-of-date (last edition, 2005), and teaches some bad
habits around keys.

Does anyone have other suggestions?

--
Josh Berkus
PostgreSQL Experts Inc.
http://pgexperts.com

On Fri, 2 Sep 2011, Josh Berkus wrote:

> I'm looking for an intro-to-SQL book for teaching a class, one aimed at
> folks who know *nothing* about RDBMSes, which is not based on MySQL or
> MSAccess.  The ones I have on my desk are all based on one or the other,
> except The Manga Guide to Databases, which I can't use in a serious class.

> Does anyone have other suggestions?

Josh,

   I have two suggestions for your intended audience:

   Rick F. van der Lans' "Introduction to SQL, 4th Ed." (or newer if there is
one.) This book is the best introduction to pure SQL out there. It also
deals extensively with dates, upon which most business and scientific data
depend. Very highly recommended. It was recommended to me for the date
sections by Joe Celko. I also proof-read Rick's "SQL for SQLite" so I am
partial to the way he explains the language.

   Joe Celko's "SQL Programming Style". This book focuses mostly on DDL and
helps the newcomer to SQL transition from procedural languages, files, and
records. His suggestions are based on SQL92 (or 99, I forget which) and are
implementation agnostic. Also very highly recommended.

Rich