This is my first database book as I’m thinking of a big career change, and on the surface as I initially flipped through this book at a bookstore, I thought the layout looked newbie-friendly. However, even with my lack of “tech” knowledge, I caught a lot of careless errors strewn throughout the book, and not so nominal (e.g., contradictions in definitions). But so far, I’ve been able to solve the errors without difficulty, and learn something from this book, although many examples they use to illustrate concepts can be difficult to follow. Hopefully, if this book makes it to a 2nd edition, significant revisions will have been made with more careful editing.

Most of the previous reviews for this book have been pretty accurate (I don’t always agree with the reviews on Amazon), and I regret not heeding them in purchasing this book.
by Pumpkin, Rating: 2 / 5

This book isn’t bad as a general overview of databases & where they fit in IT. I think it would serve a rock bottom into to the world of databases, but not necessarily an introduction to databases from a design / programming perspective.
by Aspie Progger, Rating: 4 / 5

Very complicated introductory language, esp. ch 6 and 7. Nice discussion of industry options (mySQL, Oracle, M$ SQL server, etc.) and options, but not a good introductory text for novices.

Need much tighter editing, some figures were missing!
by , Rating: 2 / 5

I am always frustrated with publications that obviously lacked a critical eye during the editing process. This book is helpful for those in need of simplistic information re: databases (relational and OODB) but will certainly confuse if reader doesn’t take time to sort through several ill communicated examples.
by , Rating: 3 / 5

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