On Thu, 8 Feb 2007, Michael Schmidt wrote:
There are a lot of resources available. Each database program has a different dialect of SQL, and I find the PostgreSQL on-line manual has an excellent introduction of SQL and even some theoretical issues. I would start there (its free and directly applicable to using PostgreSQL).
I would like to ask for a hint for a good SQL textbook. I don't want just a reference manual but real textbook with a theoretical background so I could to design my databases following the general rules as normal forms and so on. I mean something on the net of course.
I think Jan is confusing two separate concepts: database design (particularly how to normalize the tables) and the SQL language used to work with whatever design one's created. For the language itself, I concur that anything written by Joe Celko is worth reading. I believe he wrote a monthly column for Database Advisor in the 1980s that was always worth reading. For database design, I suggest a visit to a library, technical bookstore, or a Google search to find something written to answer the questions Jan has. Seems like every author has a different definition of 'database design,' and some confuse design tools with design concepts. Only Jan can decide what references are pertinent to his needs. Again, Google is your friend. Rich -- Richard B. Shepard, Ph.D. | The Environmental Permitting Applied Ecosystem Services, Inc. | Accelerator(TM) <http://www.appl-ecosys.com> Voice: 503-667-4517 Fax: 503-667-8863
