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
  • Proven learning resources
  • Updated annually
Top SQL books recommended by experts
User Check

Did you know?

We have over 3,000 mentors available right now!

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.

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.

SQL Programming QuickStudy Laminated Reference Guide

SQL Programming QuickStudy Laminated Reference Guide

Essential Structured Query Language (ANSI SQL-99) six page laminated guide with core commands, statements, syntax and terms for support of beginners who are learning, and experts as a handy quick reference. Author Robin Nixon worked with computers in the 80s and started developing websites in th…

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.

PostGIS in Action

PostGIS in Action

PostGIS in Action, Third Edition teaches readers of all levels to write spatial queries for PostgreSQL. You'll start by exploring vector-, raster-, and topology-based GIS before quickly progressing to analyzing, viewing, and mapping data.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Learning SQL

Learning SQL

SQL is used to create a database, define its structure, implement it, and perform various functions on the database. SQL is also used for accessing, maintaining, and manipulating already created databases. SQL is a well built language for entering data, modifying data, and extracting data in a d…

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.

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 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.

SQL for Data Scientists: A Beginner's Guide for Building Datasets for Analysis

SQL for Data Scientists: A Beginner's Guide for Building Datasets for Analysis

SQL for Data Scientists: A Beginner's Guide for Building Datasets for Analysis is a resource that's dedicated to the Structured Query Language (SQL) and dataset design skills that data scientists use most.

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 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.

Practical SQL, 2nd Edition: A Beginner's Guide to Storytelling with Data

Practical SQL, 2nd Edition: A Beginner's Guide to Storytelling with Data

Practical SQL is an approachable and fast-paced guide to SQL (Structured Query Language), the standard programming language for defining, organizing, and exploring data in relational databases. The book focuses on using SQL to find the story your data tells, with the popular open-source database…

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.

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.

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.

This list is curated by MentorCruise and can include Amazon affiliate links. Have any other suggestions? Add here.

Augment your SQL books

There is no better source of accountability and motivation than having a personal mentor. What used to be impossible to find is now just two clicks away! All mentors are vetted & hands-on!

Still not convinced? Don't just take our word for it

We've already delivered 1-on-1 mentorship to thousands of students, professionals, managers and executives. Even better, they've left an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 for our mentors.

Find a SQL mentor