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 favourite SQL books – and here are the answers.

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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.

Learning SQL: Generate, Manipulate, and Retrieve Data

Learning SQL: Generate, Manipulate, and Retrieve Data

Each chapter presents a self-contained lesson on a key SQL concept or technique using numerous examples. Exercises let you practice the skills you learn. Knowledge of SQL is a must for interacting with data. With Learning SQL, you'll quickly discover how to put the power and flexibility of this …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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 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 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 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 QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner's Guide to Managing, Analyzing, and Manipulating Data With SQL (Coding & Programming - QuickStart Guides)

SQL QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner's Guide to Managing, Analyzing, and Manipulating Data With SQL (Coding & Programming - QuickStart Guides)

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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 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 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 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.

Practical SQL: A Beginner's Guide to Storytelling with Data

Practical SQL: 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.

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.

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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