SQL Queries for Mere Mortals has earned worldwide praise as the clearest, simplest tutorial on writing effective queries with the latest SQL standards and database applications. Now, author John L. Viescas has updated this hands-on classic with even more advanced and valuable techniques.

Step by step, Viescas guides readers through creating reliable queries for virtually any current SQL-based database. He demystifies all aspects of SQL query writing, from simple data selection and filtering to joining multiple tables and modifying sets of data. Building on the basics, Viescas shows how to solve challenging real-world problems, including applying multiple complex conditions on one table, performing sophisticated logical evaluations, and using unlinked tables to think “outside the box.”

In two brand-new chapters, students learn how to perform complex calculations on groups for sophisticated reporting, and how to partition data into windows for more flexible aggregation.

Students can practice all they need with downloadable sample databases for today’s versions of Microsoft Office Access, Microsoft SQL Server, and the open source MySQL and PostgreSQL databases.

"Given the authors' reputations, I expected to be impressed. I was blown away! . . . Most SQL books sit on my shelf. This one will live on my desk." -Roger Carlson, Microsoft Access MVP (2006-2015) "Rather than stumble around reinventing wheels or catching glimpses of the proper approaches, do yourself a favor: Buy this book." -Dave Stokes, MySQL Community Manager, Oracle Corporation Effective SQL brings together practical solutions and insights so you can solve complex problems with SQL and design databases that simplify data management in the future. It's the only modern book that brings together advanced best practices and realistic example code for all of these versions of SQL: IBM DB2, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle Database, and PostgreSQL. Drawing on their immense experience as world-class database consultants and instructors, the authors identify 61 proven approaches to writing better SQL. Wherever SQL versions vary, the authors illuminate the key nuances, so you can get the most out of whatever version you prefer. This full-color guide provides clear, practical explanations; expert tips; and plenty of usable code. Going far beyond mere syntax, it addresses issues ranging from optimizing database designs to managing hierarchies and metadata. If you already know SQL's basics, this guide will help you become a world-class SQL problem-solver. Craft better logical data models, and fix flawed models Implement indexes that improve query performance Handle external data from sources you don't control Extract and aggregate the information you need, as efficiently as possible Write more flexible subqueries Analyze and retrieve metadata using your database platform of choice Use Cartesian Products and Tally Tables to solve problems you can't address with conventional JOINs Model hierarchical data: managing SQL's tradeoffs and shortcomings