Doug’s Book Review

If you are new to MySQL and want a quick start on how it works, I think you will find this a useful book. It covers the basics in a clear, concise, no-nonsense way. It has useful examples that relate well to the content.

What I Like About MySQL Crash Course

Starting from little or no knowledge of SQL, this book will help you get started quickly and easily. I find that many “quick and easy” books are dumbed down. Not this one.

It achieves a quick and easy introduction to MySQL by being concise and well written. At the same time it does not go in to too much detail. “Too much” would be the subtleties of MySQL that cloud your understanding of the basics. Yes, you do need to learn the subtleties sooner or later, but in terms of getting started and actually using MySQL, these details bog you down.

Use this book to learn how MySQL works. Go through it quickly, then move on to a more detailed book.

What I Find Lacking About MySQL Crash Course

This book does not cover every aspect of MySQL. Perhaps it is not the ideal reference book because it does not include every aspect of MySQL. It is a good reference for the basics though.

This is not really a criticism of the book. By sticking to the basics, it is able to do what it promises: provide a zero-to-something overview of MySQL, and give you a solid understanding of MySQL.

Conclusion

If you know nothing about MySQL, or have been using it recipe-style without understanding how it works, I highly recommend this book.

If you are already an accomplished user, you won’t need this book, but it might be worth the purchase price so you can lend it to anyone who wastes your time with a lot of basic questions.

ISBN: 0672327120

Last Modified : November 15th, 2006
Filed under : Software Development
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