I had some basic exposure to SQL syntax in a PHP/MySQL course I took a few years ago, but the combination of time passing, lack of opportunities to use what I learned, and superficial exposure to begin with washed my know-how away pretty quickly.
Now I find I need SQL again (so I can use SQL Server Report Builder 2.0, if it matters) and would like a good book or online resource to refresh what little I know, and add to it.
There’s an “SQL for Dummies” book – has anyone used it? An Amazon review suggests the book “can take [me] from a beginner to an advanced-intermediate level,” which would be nice.
Anyway, print or online, suggestions are welcome. Obviously I’m poking around the Report Builder help files and I’m Googling, but I haven’t hit on a pedagogy I really like. Maybe you have?
It might be a bit dated by now, but the book I learned from was Using SQL by Rafe Colburn. In addition to introducing many different flavors of SQL, it also has an excellent introduction to the basics of relational data principles, like normalization, inner and outer joins, natural vs. artificial primary keys, when to use NULLs and when not, etc. All around great book.