SQL Functions Programmer's Reference

• Gives programmers two-in-one coverage, with both a "how-to" on SQL functions and a complete SQL functions reference
• SQL is the standard language for database queries; this book's advanced coverage helps programmers write their own SQL functions
• Covers both the internationally standardized SQL 99 functions and the hundreds of additional functions introduced by vendors, including the subtle variations required to successfully migrate or interoperate between vendor products
• Covers the latest versions of the major relational database management system (RDMS) applications: Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, IBM DB2, and MySQL

Ryan Stephens is the president and CEO of Perpetual Technologies, Inc. (www.perptech.com), an Indianapolis-based IT firm specializing in database technologies. Ryan has been working with SQL and databases for 15 years and has held the positions of project manager, database administrator, and programmer/analyst. Ryan has been teaching database courses for local universities since 1997 and has authored several internationally published books on topics such as database design, SQL, database architecture, database administration, and Oracle. Ryan enjoys discovering new ways to optimize the use of technology to streamline business operations, as well as empowering others to do the same. Ryan and his wife live in Indianapolis with their three children.

Ronald R. Plew is vice president and CIO for Perpetual Technologies, Inc. (www.perptech.com) in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ron is a Certified Oracle Professional. He has coauthored several internationally published books on SQL and database technology. Ron is also an adjunct professor for Vincennes University in Indiana, where he teaches SQL and various database courses. Ron holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration/management from Indiana Institute of Technology out of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ron recently retired from the Indiana Army National Guard, where he served as a programmer/analyst. His hobbies include automobile racing, chess, golf, and collecting Indy 500 memorabilia. Ron resides in Indianapolis with his wife Linda.

Bob Garrett is the software development manager at Perpetual Technologies, Inc. (www.perptech.com). Bob’s languages of preference are Java, C++, and English. He has extensive experience integrating applications with relational databases. Bob has a degree in computer science and mathematics from Purdue University, and lives with his wife and daughter near Indianapolis.

Alex Kriegel is a professional database systems analyst with a major manufacturing firm in Oregon. He has more than 10 years of database experience working with Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, DB2, Sybase, and PostgreSQL both as developer and DBA. Alex has a bachelor of science degree in solid-state physics from State Polytechnic Institute of Minsk, Belarus, and has earned the Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) accreditation. He is the author of SQL Bible. Alex wrote the first draft of approximately two-thirds of this book.