# Need to learn SQL in a hurry -- resources? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 4, 2009, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-to-learn-sql-in-a-hurry-resources/508887 "2009-09-04T17:37:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![E.Thorp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/898d66/32.png) [@E.Thorp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E.Thorp)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-to-learn-sql-in-a-hurry-resources/508887/1 "2009-09-04T17:37:09Z")
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? Thanks in advance, E. ---
**Author:** ![Anne\_Neville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Anne\_Neville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anne_Neville)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-to-learn-sql-in-a-hurry-resources/508887/2 "2009-09-04T17:55:48Z")
I’ve used _SQL for Dummies_, and I like it pretty well. ---
**Author:** ![BubbaDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bubbadog/32/333_2.png) [@BubbaDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BubbaDog)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-to-learn-sql-in-a-hurry-resources/508887/3 "2009-09-04T18:13:08Z")
> [@Anne\_Neville](#): > > I’ve used _SQL for Dummies_, and I like it pretty well. I use that one and [SQL in 10 Minutes](http://www.amazon.com/Sams-Teach-Yourself-Minutes-Yourself/dp/0672316641) Its a nice small reference book which gives a good layout of some basic commands and strategies. Bubba Newbie to SQL since Aug '08 ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-to-learn-sql-in-a-hurry-resources/508887/4 "2009-09-04T19:02:20Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![E.Thorp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/898d66/32.png) [@E.Thorp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E.Thorp)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-to-learn-sql-in-a-hurry-resources/508887/5 "2009-09-04T19:36:50Z")
> [@BubbaDog](#): > > I use that one and [SQL in 10 Minutes](http://www.amazon.com/Sams-Teach-Yourself-Minutes-Yourself/dp/0672316641) Its a nice small reference book which gives a good layout of some basic commands and strategies. > > Bubba > Newbie to SQL since Aug '08 Just bought this during my lunch hour. Looks like just the thing (still welcoming other suggestions, though). Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Bird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Little\_Bird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Bird)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2009, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-to-learn-sql-in-a-hurry-resources/508887/6 "2009-09-05T19:31:28Z")
Everything W3 schools does is gold. [linky](http://www.w3schools.com/SQl/default.asp) ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2009, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-to-learn-sql-in-a-hurry-resources/508887/7 "2009-09-05T20:13:01Z")
> [@Little\_Bird](#): > > Everything W3 schools does is gold. [linky](http://www.w3schools.com/SQl/default.asp) I just took their sql quiz and need to brag… "W3Schools SQL Quiz Result: 20 of 20 100% Perfect!!! Time Spent 3:36"