Inside Relational Databases

Rating:
Summary: Not very helpful to me...
Review: This book was a disappointment. Based on other reviews, I thought it would be the happy middle between a "nuts-and-bolts" type of book and a textbook with a lot of theoretical discussion. This book was neither, and weak in almost all respects.

The book read somewhat like an undergraduate term paper, with overuse of "witty" commentary. Based on the large font size, large figures, lots of white space, and way too much extraneous commentary, this book is really much "thinner" than its 300+ pages suggest - not a good value.

In short, there is not much meat here. I would advise looking elsewhere - compromises are often bad choices.

Rating:
Summary: Inside Relational Databases
Review: This is for beginners and has little substance
beyond the obvious. If you're interested in database design,
don't buy this book. The introduction claims: "you shouldn't read this book if you're looking for a 'How to use Access' book". This is a misleading statement

Rating:
Summary: Wish I had this when I started working with databases
Review: This is one of the best books I've read to get someone started in the world of relational databases. As a former software trainer, I've recommeded several database books to students. But I wish I had known about this one for my beginning students. Sure, there are the 800 page monsters out there, but if you want information that is straight to the point, well-written and user-friendly, this is the book to use. I'd also like to point out that the one time I had a question, I was able to contact Dr. Whitehorn and within an hour, I received a my answer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the basics about relational databases.

Rating:
Summary: Wish I had this when I started working with databases
Review: This is one of the best books I've read to get someone started in the world of relational databases. As a former software trainer, I've recommeded several database books to students. But I wish I had known about this one for my beginning students. Sure, there are the 800 page monsters out there, but if you want information that is straight to the point, well-written and user-friendly, this is the book to use. I'd also like to point out that the one time I had a question, I was able to contact Dr. Whitehorn and within an hour, I received a my answer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the basics about relational databases.

Rating:
Summary: Well-written and Entertaining Guide to Relational Databases
Review: This is probably the only computer book that I have read that has been worth the money. The writing style is concise, clear, and to the point. Unlike most programming books that are filled with jargon, Whitehorn & Marklyn refrain from blatant attempts to impress the reader with "computer speak". Instead, they intelligently explain the history and benefits of relational database design. I have been creating databases for 2 years and I found this book to be a great resource.

Rating:
Summary: I bought 3 copies of this grammar of the relational model.
Review: This very readable book is meant as a companion to Access but is useful as a reference when working with any relational database. It provides a brief 252-page statement of the principles of Codd's relational model, including normalization, keys, relationships, referential integrity, and SQL. It has many fine examples, which are also included on a CD.

Without close attention to relational rules, most new database architects will find implementation and maintenance problems down the road, since Access itself can be used to easily create tables that do not follow the relational model. The common Access how-to books often only briefly discuss the grammar of the relational model.

One author teaches relational theory; the other is a former Microsoft top gun for the development of Access.

This book is indispensable for the new database architect and a useful quick review for the more experienced. I handed out two copies to staff programmers and kept one for my own desk.

Rating:
Summary: A gem
Review: Whew. This is an outstanding book. It is simple and straightforward and explains complex concepts in an accessible way.

If you want an excellent overview of databases, this is the place to start.

Some examples:

The chapter on Integrity (Chapter 16) instantly and lucidly gets the point across. I was a convert after reading the first 4 paragraphs.

The exceedingly-simple ("yet-so-few-others-do-it") chapter breakout of Tables, Forms, Queries and Reports. Each chapter is its own "little-world" untouched with non-related ideas. The authors tie them together later. Extremely well executed.

Excellent and I mean *excellent* typography and layout. The paper is white and high quality. The book is smallish in size and is readable, flippable and portable.

This book does it right, in every way.