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Summary: Good solid begineers book
Review: A superb book, detailed, interesting and a joy to read. I found myself reading this book and not having to reread any of it - it just all made sense. And it's hands on as well, which I personally love. There's no axe to grind in this book, Dr. Whitehorn just explains things as they are.
It is a newbie book - but in saying that it'll save you alot of time (and confusion) if you want to understand the basics of relational databases.
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Summary: Elegant, Funny - My Database Bible
Review: After searching through dozens of books about databases, I found Mr. Whitehorn's elegant, witty and kind book. As a new database student, changing careers midlife, I was struggling for days to understand concepts that Mr. Whitehorn cleared up in a hour's enjoyable read. (He's the kind of writer who could write about paperclips for 200 pages and hold the reader's attention.) His PhD put firmly aside, he demystifies the relational database with humor (the book is peppered with occasional asides telling one how to bluff and impress database purists), clarity and common sense. Back in school for a midlife career change, this book kept me firmly planted in my program when I was teetering on the edge of dropping out. SELECT GreatBook FROM Amazon WHERE Whitehead = Author
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Summary: Should Be Read by Anyone Planning to study Access!
Review: Although this book is about relational databases in general, and not specifically a Microsoft Access book, it will teach you (using examples in Access), in plain English, HOW a relational database works. After initially trying to learn Access (and getting confused by the concepts), I stopped my studies in order to read this book. It made all the difference in the world. When I returned to my studies, I made tremendous progress. You must read this book if you are even thinking of creating a relational database. Finally, it is a very easy (and fun) to read book. The author's sense of humor keeps things light and lively (but this is no lightweight book; you will learn very important and useful concepts).
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Summary: Uncertain to order
Review: Could someone who has read this book please write a review and indicate whether or not the new edition uses all examples in Microsoft Access (as the old edition did) or not? Thanks.
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Summary: New Edition
Review: Could someone who has read this book please write a review and indicate whether or not the new edition uses all examples in Microsoft Access (as the old edition did) or not? Thanks.
Yeah, all of the original examples from the first edition are still based on Access - the sample files are provided in Access 7 and Access 200 format. What has been added to the second edition of the book is a section that covers topics like triggers, transaction logs, ER modelling etc. Those are more relevant to client-server database engines like SQL Server, DB2 and Oracle and to tools like Visio and ErWin; so the new section uses some screen shots from those tools.
If you are an Access user this book is still as appropriate to you as the first edition was. And, if you use one of the more complex database engines, the second edition has just become even better than it was because there is information about the addition features that those tools use.
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Summary: The best.
Review: Fantastic, easy to comprehend examples. No complaints, finally someone told the story in English instead of techno-geek speak. Bravo my friends, this was a pleasure to read. Thank you.
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Summary: This is a MUST HAVE
Review: I can't say enough good things about the book. I first bought a learning Access book (Step by Step), and of course you can grasp something from those books, but you never get to know the real concepts behind a database, or WHY are you doing some steps. This book throws light into those matters, and it's really easy to read, I had fun with it. I highly recomend to read THIS book before starting to work with relational databases such as Access, etc. First read this book, then go for a "how to use Access" book.
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Summary: Fantastic Book - Especially for Beginners!
Review: I have had countless hours of training in several versions of Access. It was never the using of Access that I had a problem with. What always mystified me was the design of the actual database. I would sit and ponder whether I needed one table, multiple tables, what should be the primary key, which relationships to use, etc. As a result, I never really was comfortable with or deeply into using Access. All of this has changed with this book. This book is written in a simple straightforward manner that explains all of these details. They carefully and not too slowly show you how to properly design your databases. Their examples are primarily in Access (97 & 2000 formats). Access 2000 is used for all of the screenshots. You learn by reading their instruction and then opening Access to view the related sample database located on the accompanying CDROM. This book is only 345 pages long. It is NOT the gigantic volume of so many books. As a result it is something you can get thru in managable bites and not feel overwhelmed. This book was really written for beginners. I don't think it would hurt an intermediate person to read it, but I think advanced developers can probably skip it. Having said all this, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It is one of those rare books that had a (good) career-impacting effect on me. I hope it is as helpful for you!
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Summary: Extremely good explanation of the RDBMS, with added humour.
Review: I read this book away from work and the PC, and missed out on nothing. This is a rarity for a techy book. It is clearly and concisely written and full of humourous asides which ease the reader through an otherwise weighty topic.The book is logically structured, with a good introduction and a clear step-by-step guide to database design. The examples are plentiful and easily understood. The final chapters cover the nitty-gritty details of the RDBMS which even the non-technical person can understand [mostly!]. I had read enough within a few days to design and start building my first database. Nothing earth shattering, though I am confident it will be adequately robust for the job. In summary, this book is excellent. Probably the most engaging technical book I have read.
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Summary: A model for other instructional volumes
Review: I wanted a well written, clear introduction to relational databases...one that wouldn't put me off a subject in which I been interested for years. This book was perfect for my needs, and proved to be an enjoyable as well as educational experience. I wish other books were as well presented as this one!
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