Top SQL books curated by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we have connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favouriteSQL books – and here are the answers.

  • Curated by industry experts
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Top SQL books recommended by experts
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Fundamentals of SQL

Understanding the concepts of SQL starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

Head First SQL: Your Brain on SQL -- A Learner's Guide

Head First SQL: Your Brain on SQL -- A Learner's Guide

Head First SQL will show you the fundamentals of SQL and how to really take advantage of it. We'll take you on a journey through the language, from basic INSERT statements and SELECT queries to hardcore database manipulation with indices, joins, and transactions.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

SQL All-in-One for Dummies

SQL All-in-One for Dummies

SQL All-In-One For Dummies is a timely update to the popular reference for readers who want detailed information about SQL databases and queries. SQL All -In-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition, is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about SQL and SQL-based relational databases.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

T-SQL Fundamentals

T-SQL Fundamentals

Master T-SQL fundamentals and write robust code for Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. Itzik Ben-Gan explains key T-SQL concepts and helps you apply your knowledge with hands-on exercises. The book first introduces T-SQL’s roots and underlying logic. Next, it walks you through core top…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes (2nd Edition)

Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes (2nd Edition)

Expert trainer and popular author Ben Forta teaches you just the parts of SQL you need to know–starting with simple data retrieval and quickly going on to more complex topics including the use of joins, subqueries, stored procedures, cursors, triggers, and table constraints.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

SQL Antipatterns: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Database Programming

SQL Antipatterns: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Database Programming

Whatever platform or programming language you use, whether you're a junior programmer or a Ph. D., SQL Antipatterns will show you how to design and build databases, how to write better database queries, and how to integrate SQL programming with your application like an expert.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

SQL QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner's Guide to Managing, Analyzing, and Manipulating Data With SQL

SQL QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner's Guide to Managing, Analyzing, and Manipulating Data With SQL

The Best Sql Book For Beginners - Hands Down!*includes Free Access To A Sample Database, Sql Browser App, Comprehension Quizzes & Several Other Digital Resources!*sql Is The Workhorse Programming Language That Forms The Backbone Of Modern Data Management And Interpretation.any Database Managemen…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Additional SQL Reading

These books are not required for you to learn SQL, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

SQL Performance Explained: Everything Developers Need to Know about SQL Performance

SQL Performance Explained: Everything Developers Need to Know about SQL Performance

SQL Performance Explained helps developers to improve database performance. The focus is on SQL—it covers all major SQL databases without getting lost in the details of any one specific product.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

SQL for Data Analytics: Perform Fast and Efficient Data Analysis with the Power of SQL

SQL for Data Analytics: Perform Fast and Efficient Data Analysis with the Power of SQL

SQL for Data Analytics covers everything you need progress from simply knowing basic SQL to telling stories and identifying trends in data. You'll be able to start exploring your data by identifying patterns and unlocking deeper insights.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

SQL pocket guide

SQL pocket guide

SQL Pocket Guide describes how these database systems implement SQL syntax for querying, managing transactions, and making changes to data. It also shows how the systems use SQL functions, regular expression syntax, and type conversion functions and formats.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

SQL Cookbook

SQL Cookbook

In the SQL Cookbook, experienced SQL developer Anthony Molinaro shares his favorite SQL techniques and features. You'll learn about: Window functions, arguably the most significant enhancement to SQL in the past decade. If you're not using these, you're missing out.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

SQL in 10 Minutes a Day, Sams Teach Yourself

SQL in 10 Minutes a Day, Sams Teach Yourself

Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes offers straightforward, practical answers when you need fast results. By working through the book's 22 lessons of 10 minutes or less, you'll learn what you need to know to take advantage of the SQL language.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

SQL All-in-One For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

SQL All-in-One For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

SQL All-in-One For Dummies has everything you need to get started with the SQL programming language, and then to level up your skill with advanced applications. This relational database coding language is one of the most used languages in professional software development. And, as it becomes eve…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Specializations and Deeper SQL Knowledge

You've got your basics in order – time to move on to some advanced and specialized concepts. SQL is evolving every day, these books can help you master it.

SQL Practice Problems: 57 Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Challenges for You to Solve Using a "learn-by-doing" Approach

SQL Practice Problems: 57 Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Challenges for You to Solve Using a "learn-by-doing" Approach

The ability to write SQL is one of the most in-demand job skills. Are you prepared? It's easy to find basic SQL syntax information online. What's hard to find is challenging, well-designed, real-world problems—the type of problems that come up when you're dealing with data. Learning how to solve…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Joe Celko's SQL for Smarties: Advanced SQL Programming

Joe Celko's SQL for Smarties: Advanced SQL Programming

Joe Celkos SQL for Smarties: Advanced SQL Programming offers tips and techniques in advanced programming. This book is the fourth edition and it consists of 39 chapters, starting with a comparison between databases and file systems.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Python Programming and SQL: 5 books in 1 - The #1 Coding Course from Beginner to Advanced. Learn it Well & Fast (2024) (Computer Programming)

Python Programming and SQL: 5 books in 1 - The #1 Coding Course from Beginner to Advanced. Learn it Well & Fast (2024) (Computer Programming)

Python Programming and SQL: 5 Books in 1, isn't just a book. It's a career booster ✅ Whether you're aiming for a new job, freelancing, or developing your own software, this guide has everything you need. Suitable for all levels, you will find practical advice and skills to propel your career, se…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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