Customer comments on this selection.
 Does not cover the important new features
I bought the book, based on previous positive critics here (Amazon). The implication was that this book covers the new features of SQL Server 2005. Well, the first one that I was looking for, the PIVOT (crosstab) is not even mentioned, let alone covered even briefly. I did not search all the new features, but if you want a book that cover both old and new features, this one is certainly NOT the one that you should look for.
The publisher rep tried to tell me that no one book could cover all subjects. This is true, but for a book that specialize in T-SQL and T-SQL only, the features should have been covered, or, at least mentioned briefly.
I've found books that cover the new features only, or the old features only. The quest is not over for me, yet.
ZA
 Practical and Usable
The authors have experience both as T-SQL developers and trainers, and it shows. Essential concepts and techniques are explained clearly without talking down to the reader. There's thorough coverage of the most commonly used T-SQL elements, in an easy-to-read style. It's well organized and includes appendices and a good index, making it easy to use as a reference. I work with both SQL Server 2000 and 2005, so it's ideal that the book covers both environments.
There are tons of code samples; most of them use the AdventureWorks database so reproducing them is easy. The exercises at the end of each chapter are good practice - not too difficult, but still good at reinforcing the content (answers are in the back of the book). Parts of my work involve reporting, so I found the chapter on doing Reporting Services development helpful as well. The biggest drawback I've found to this book is that my copy keeps getting borrowed..
Good for non-techie beginners!
I don't consider myself a techie but recently became interested in learning more about SQL and how it can help me do my job more efficiently. I found the structure, content and style of this book to be very useful in my quest to teach myself the program. It was easy to understand and helped me to learn the basics with a hands-on approach. My lack of experience caught up to me in some of the later chapters but overall I found the book extremely informative and I've benefited greatly from reading it.
Paul Turley takes my TSQL blues away! Great Book!!
Paul's book was incredibly helpful with completing my T-SQL project. I was struggling with reading some stored procedures and DTS packages and couldn't get my brain around what the heck was going on inside management studio. So... I picked up Beginning Transact-SQL and had those sprocs pegged in no time! Paul made following the code a cinch and I'm now able to write and document ETL in no time. Paul's book really was a life (and job..?) saver!
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