Professional SQL Server 7.0 Programming

Targeted at developers interested in leveraging the latest release of Microsoft SQL Server in their applications, Professional SQL Server 7.0 Programming is a well-balanced examination of SQL Server 7 that meets the needs of readers of all levels. As author Robert Vieira points out, "even developers who have used SQL Server for years have a lot to get to grips with."

This title offers a superb look at SQL Server, but it is addressed to database users rather than database administrators. It does include a chapter on administration, but its focus is on manipulating data programmatically and by way of the product's interactive tools.

The author's conversational style engages the reader and clearly illustrates procedures. He also handles the version transition from 6.5 to 7.0 well with feature comparisons between the old and new while maintaining focus on the latest release. He includes introductory chapters on the basics of relational databases for developers who are entirely new to SQL.

This book doesn't include a CD-ROM, and a trial version of SQL Server would have been nice, but a companion Web site is available. Whether you want to get up to speed with SQL Server 7's new features or are jumping into it for the first time, this book is a great place to start. --Stephen W. Plain

Topics covered: SQL basics, relational databases, T-SQL, table creation/alteration, indices, views, scripts, stored procedures, cursors, queries, replication, OLAP, English and full-text searches, security, performance tuning, and administration.