Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764543792 ISBN 13: 9780764543791

Publisher: Wrox, 2000

What is this book about?

SQL Server 2000 is the latest and most powerful version of Microsoft's data warehousing and relational database management system. This new release is tightly integrated with Windows 2000 and offers more support for XML, as well as improved Analysis Services for OLAP and data mining.

Professional SQL Server 2000 provides a comprehensive guide to programming with SQL Server 2000, from a complete tutorial on Transact-SQL to an in-depth discussion of new features, such as indexed views, user-defined functions, and the wealth of new SQL Server features to support XML. Whether you're coming to SQL Server 2000 from another relational database management system, upgrading your existing system, or perhaps wanting to add programming skills to your DBA knowledge, you'll find what you need in this book to get to grips with SQL Server 2000 development.

What does this book cover?

Here are just a few of the things covered in this book:

• A complete introduction to Transact-SQL
• Database design issues
• Creating and using views, stored procedures, and user- defined functions
• Responding to events with triggers
• Making your SQL Server secure
• Retrieving your data as XML
• An introduction to Analysis Services
• Moving data using Data Transformation Services and the bulk copy program
• Maintaining the integrity of distributed data with replication

Who is this book for?

This book is aimed at the SQL Server developer who wants to make the most out of the new features of SQL Server 2000. No knowledge of SQL Server is assumed, although in order to follow this book, you do need to have an understanding of programming basics such as variables, data types, and procedural programming. Database administration is also covered but only as it affects the SQL Server developer.

Review:

When it comes to selecting computer books, deciding which book to buy can sometimes be even more confusing than the software it is written about. However, if you are looking for a book to instruct you on the use of SQL Server 2000, Professional SQL Server 2000 Programming is an excellent choice.

In addition to providing a thorough treatment of SQL Server 2000 development, Rob Vieira's extensive reference also devotes quite a lot of space to covering SQL in general and issues relating to database design. Included is a complete introduction to Transact-SQL and an excellent chapter on normalization that will help demystify an over-referenced but much misunderstood database design concept. There is also in-depth information on the new features of SQL Server 2000, including indexed views, user-defined functions, and support of XML. Sadly, there's no accompanying CD-ROM, but source code for the book can be downloaded from the Wrox Web site.

While you don't need any knowledge of SQL Server or database administration to make the most of this book, you will need a reasonable understanding of programming fundamentals. That said, the author's down-to-earth style makes it possible for anyone with some programming background, and the will to learn, to really get comfortable with SQL Server 2000 development. If you are looking for a book that combines rich content with clear explanation, look no further. --Peter Lunn, Amazon.co.uk

From the Publisher:

This book is a revised follow on from Professional SQL Server 7.0 Programming, to address the new features of this recent release. With a general understanding of programming principles, (eg familiarity with VB, C++, VB Script) Professional SQL Server 2000 Programming provides a comprehensive overview of the new areas of SQL Server, for programmers. There is an in-depth discussion of T-SQL, the query language of Microsoft SQL Server. From basic database design concepts a tutorial explains more advanced topics and specific areas including Stored Procedures and Advanced Queries. Advanced topics - performance tuning, security and a solid description of OLAP, which is built in with SQL Server, are then introduced. The new XML features are explored to provide an understanding of this important area. With over 1,500 pages this book covers the main topics to provide an in-depth understanding of concepts and procedures, so you can get the most out of SQL Server 2000.