PostgreSQL: Introduction and Concepts - Softcover

Momjian, Bruce

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0201703319 ISBN 13: 9780201703313

Publisher: Addison-Wesley, 2000

Synopsis

(Pearson Education) Presents the fundamentals of PostgreSQL, an advanced, feature-filled database server. Assumes no background in databases at all, but still moves quickly, going beyond mechanics and into the applications of simple commands in working database applications. Highlights common pitfalls and offers time and trouble-saving tips. Softcover. DLC: Database management.

About this title

About the Author

Bruce Momjian is a founding member of the PostgreSQL Global Development Team. He is currently a senior consultant with Wilson Technology Associates in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, designing and developing relational database applications for some of the largest law firms nationwide.

0201703319AB04062001

From the Back Cover

The most advanced, feature-rich SQL database server available, the open-source PostgreSQL system has rapidly become a key Internet technology. PostgreSQL: Introduction and Concepts, written by a founding member of the PostgreSQL Global Development Team, provides a much-needed tutorial and real-world guide to understanding and working with this complex yet essential system.

Assuming no previous knowledge of database systems, the book establishes a firm foundation of basic concepts and commands before turning to PostgreSQL's more advanced and innovative capabilities. It leads you step-by-step from your first database query through the complex queries needed to solve real-world database problems. The author not only presents proper query syntax, he goes beyond the mechanics to explore the value and use of these commands in working database applications.

You will read about such important topics as:

• Basic SQL commands for manipulating and updating a database
• Customizing queries
• SQL aggregates
• Joining tables
• Combining SELECTs and subqueries
• Transactions
• Performance
• Importing and exporting data
• Database query tools, including PSQL and PGACCESS
• PostgreSQL interfaces to C, C++, ODBC, JDBC, Perl, TCL/TK, and more
• Server-side programming and multi-user control
• Extending PostgreSQL with C
• PostgreSQL administration, including backups, troubleshooting, and access configuration
• Features unique to PostgreSQL

Throughout, the author highlights common pitfalls, offers tips to save you time and trouble, and provides many examples--all garnered from his extensive experience and inside knowledge. In addition, this resource-rich guide provides a copy of the official PostgreSQL reference manual.

0201703319B04062001

From the Inside Flap

This book is about POSTGRESQL, the most advanced open source database. From its origins in academia, POSTGRESQL has moved to the Internet with explosive growth. It is hard to believe the advances during the past four years under the guidance of a team of worldwide Internet developers. This book is a testament to their vision, and to the success that POSTGRESQL has become.

The book is designed to lead the reader from their first database query through the complex queries needed to solve real-world problems. No knowledge of database theory or practice is required. However, basic knowledge of operating system capabilities is expected, such as the ability to type at an operating system prompt.

Beginning with a short history of POSTGRESQL, the book moves from simple queries to the most important database commands. Common problems are covered early, which should prevent users from getting stuck with queries that fail. The author has seen many bug reports in the past few years and consequently has attempted to warn readers about the common pitfalls.

With a firm foundation established, additional commands are introduced. The later chapters outline complex topics like transactions and performance.

At each step, the purpose of each command is clearly illustrated. The goal is to have readers understand more than query syntax. They should know why each command is valuable, so they can use the proper commands in their real-world database applications.

A database novice should read the entire book, while skimming over the later chapters. The complex nature of database systems should not prevent readers from getting started. Test databases offer a safe way to try queries. As readers gain experience, later chapters will begin to make more sense. Experienced database users can skip the early chapters on basic SQL functionality. The cross-referencing of sections allows you to quickly move from general to more specific information.

Much information has been moved out of the main body of the book into appendices. Appendix A lists sources of additional information about POSTGRESQL.Appendix B provides information about installing POSTGRESQL. Appendix C lists the features of POSTGRESQL not found in other database systems. Appendix D contains a copy of the POSTGRESQL manual pages which should be consulted anytime you have trouble with query syntax. Also, do not overlook the excellent documentation that is part of POSTGRESQL. This documentation covers many complex topics, including much POSTGRESQL-specific functionality that cannot be covered in a book of this length. Sections of the documentation are referenced in this book where appropriate.

This book uses italics for identifiers, SMALLCAPS for SQL keywords, and a monospaced font for SQL queries. The Web site for this book is located at postgresql/docs/awbook.html. 0201703319P04062001

Edition details

• Publisher: Addison-Wesley
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0201703319
• ISBN 13: 9780201703313
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 462