In this modern world with the increased usage of various applications and platforms the need to store the user’s data in an efficient manner is also becoming more important than ever. The user’s data always plays an important role for various organizations in understanding their users behavior so that they can improve their user experience.
As digitalization is expanding exponentially over the globe, so does the volume of data and without proper data management strategy it is impossible for organizations to ensure their growth. SQL or Structured Query Language is one of the best tools which helps in solving the issues of efficient data storage and retrieving process.
SQL helps the users to store, manipulate and retrieve data easily. With the help of SQL users can find the data as well as change the data quickly and efficiently. It is user-friendly as well as a must for database related jobs. This is the reason why you and so many other people want to learn SQL.
Nowadays, only knowing how to perform CURD or Create, Update, Read and Delete operations does not mean you know SQL completely. Comprehending indexes, search plans, triggers, perspectives, stored routines, and other complex SQL ideas such as generating intricate inquiries involving joins, subqueries, and derived tables are also crucial. Similarly a good database design ensures consistent performance throughout the life cycle also a good database design can be changed or evolved easily whenever requirements evolve.
In today’s article we will be sharing 5 best books for exploring SQL and database design with you but first let us have a look at why SQL and Database design is important and is an integral part of the skill set of a complete developer.
Why SQL And Database Design is Important?
Interacting with databases involves organizing data into tables just like an excel spreadsheet. SQL is capable of handling data of various sizes swiftly. Its approach to database interaction is considered as ‘non-procedural’ with a syntax that focuses on specifying “what to do” rather than “how to do it.”
SQL commands can be categorized into five groups; data definition, data manipulation, data control, transaction control and data query. SQL is the base of almost every business operating nowadays. As we know data is one of the most valuable resources in the world, SQL leverages you to manipulate, define, control and understand that data is crucial.
SQL allows you to do all of the operations which were mentioned before and more advanced operations. In today’s era the more data-driven job you are doing, the more important SQL is for you to succeed. Structured QUery Language is also considered as a universal language.
SQL is transferable to other languages easily. Also learning SQL did not take much effort and it can help you to understand the workings of other programming languages as well, such as Python and Java. SQL is also renowned for easy collaboration, as it’s open source and it has a large supportive community.
At last, it is a much wanted skill within data science and other work streams. In fact, SQL is the most in-demand skill among all the jobs in the IT field, as 42.7% of all data science job postings require SQL. Let us now talk about the importance of the database design.
A database design serves as a plan or structure, for organizing and managing data. It is put into action using a Database Management System (DBMS). Having a crafted database design is crucial, for many reasons. A poorly designed database is likely to result in dissatisfaction.
An effective database design should facilitate writing queries in a clear manner.
A good database design avoids data redundancies(which refer to duplicating information). It is an important aspect of a good database design.
Ensuring data accuracy remains post the implementation of a sound database design.
Best 5 Books For Exploring SQL And Database Design
Whether you are a database developer or application developer acquiring knowledge in SQL and database structure is crucial for developers of every skill level and programming language. Regardless of your workplace or job title, it is unlikely that you will not have to interact with a relational database.
There are plethora of options available in the market to learn SQL and Database design but choosing the right one is always crucial but there is no need to worry as we have shared some of the best books that will not only help you to learn but also will help you to master it once and for all. Some books are vendor specific, but even those should provide some key insights, which can be applied to some other database products as well.
The list of books is as follows
Head First SQL
Head First SQL is no doubt the best book for the freshers in the world of SQL. Head First is renowned for its distinctive approach to education called visual learning that includes graphics, conversations, brain teasers, clarifications, and markers to underscore the most crucial ideas.
You will understand the theory as well as the fundamental ideas of SQL such as Connections & Sub Queries, Standardization, and a hint of database structure using this guide.
SQL All In One For Dummies
The “Database All-in-One For Beginners” 3rd Edition by Allen G. Taylor is a helpful guide that received a high score of 4.6 from 920 individuals. Catering to a wide range of users, from database managers to software developers, this guide provides easy-to-understand explanations of database language and the different uses within relational databases.
In a modern setting where companies are transitioning from spreadsheets to SQL databases such as Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle databases, MySQL, and PostgreSQL, this version acts as a guide for individuals engaged in the creation, enhancement, and upkeep of these databases.
SQL All in one for Dummies or beginners points the challenges that may arise whenever you work with SQL database creation and management. This book keeps its readers engaged and well informed with up to date SQL updates and the capabilities of SQL. This book serves as a valuable reference for querying SQL-based databases in the SQL language.
At last, emphasizing the significance of relational databases in today’s organizations, “SQL All-In-One For Dummies” offers timely and detailed insights for those seeking a robust understanding of SQL databases and queries.
Database Design for Mere Mortals
The book Database Design for Mere Mortals is an ideal manual for anyone looking to grasp the foundational idea or for an individual seeking to review the subjects that have been previously explored. Drawing from his extensive background in practical database design, the writer of this volume Michael J. Hernandez demonstrates the process of examining and enhancing the current databases, establishing keys, outlining table connections and operational regulations, and constructing data perspectives.
Some of the benefits of this book is that it offers real world examples and is easy to read.
Learning SQL
Exploring SQL is rated as the fourth top book for delving into SQL and database layout on our compilation. This publication leads developers through the fundamentals of SQL, assisting them in crafting database apps and producing analyses by establishing a solid understanding of SQL within them.
Learning SQL covers the basics of SQL as well as big data. Each chapter in this book is designed as a self-contained lesson. Each lesson contains numerous descriptions and annotated examples to ensure better understanding.
SQL Antipatterns
SQL Antipatterns is the fifth book in our list. This book will assist you in steering clear of the errors that numerous developers encounter regularly while coding. If you are unfamiliar with the typical errors made in SQL, SQL Antipattern might be a valuable resource for you to gain insight into them. Furthermore, it stands out as a vital SQL book for developers who are dedicated to enhancing their SQL and database design capabilities.
SQL Antipatterns contains different types of advice on common patterns and problems which many programmers use without knowing the consequences of using them. It does not matter on which platform you are programming or which programming language you use, whether you are a junior programmer or senior programmer this book will show you how to design and build databases.
This guide will also help you improve your database queries, and demonstrate how to combine SQL coding with applications.
That is all in the list of 5 best books for exploring SQL and Database design in 2024. In today’s era it is crucial to learn SQL for becoming a complete programmer and for grabbing better opportunities.
You can also read : The Finest 5 Courses on Java Multithreading and Concurrency for Seasoned Programmers in 2024