SQL in a nutshell: [a desktop quick reference ; covers MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and SQL server]

The essential reference to the SQL language used in today's most popular database products, this new edition of __SQL in a Nutshell__ clearly documents every SQL command according to the latest ANSI standard. It also details how these commands are implemented in the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and Oracle 11g commercial database packages, and the MySQL 5.1 and PostgreSQL 8.3 open source database products. "SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standardized query language for maintaining and querying database information. Historically, SQL has been the choice for database management systems running on minicomputers and mainframes. Increasingly, however, SQL is being adapted to PC systems that support distributed databases and allow users on a local-area network to access the same data simultaneously. Although there are different dialects of SQL, it is the closest thing to a standard query language that currently exists." "SQL in a Nutshell is a practical and useful command reference to the latest release of the Structured Query Language standard (SQL99), which assists readers in learning how their favorite database product supports any standard SQL command. This book presents each of the SQL commands and describes its use in both commercial (Microsoft SQL Server 2000 and Oracle 8i) and open source (MySQL, PostgreSQL 7.0) implementations. Each command reference includes the command syntax (by vendor, if the syntax differs across implementations), a description, and informative examples that illustrate important concepts and uses." "SQL in a Nutshell is more than a convenient reference guide for experienced SQL programmers, analysts, and database administrators. It's also a great learning resource for novice and auxiliary SQL users, such as system administrators, users of packaged client/server products, and consultants who need to be familiar with the various SQL dialects across many platforms."--Jacket. For programmers, analysts, and database administrators, SQL in a Nutshell is the essential reference for the SQL language used in today's most popular database products. This new edition clearly documents every SQL command according to the latest ANSI standard, and details how those commands are implemented in Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Oracle 11g, and the MySQL 5.1 and PostgreSQL 8.3 open source database products. You'll also get a concise overview of the Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) model, and a clear-cut explanation of foundational RDBMS concepts -- all packed into a succinct, comprehensive, and easy-to-use format. This book provides: Background on the Relational Database Model, including current and previous SQL standards Fundamental concepts necessary for understanding relational databases and SQL commands An alphabetical command reference to SQL statements, according to the SQL2003 ANSI standard The implementation of each command by MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server An alphabetical reference of the ANSI SQL2003 functions, as well as the vendor implementations Platform-specific functions unique to each implementation Beginning where vendor documentation ends, SQL in a Nutshell distills the experiences of professional database administrators and developers who have used SQL variants to support complex enterprise applications. Whether SQL is new to you, or you've been using SQL since its earliest days, you'll get lots of new tips and techniques in this book.