Structured Query Language is the industry standard for querying data held in relational databases. SQL can be used to create and alter the structure of databases, add new data, and access or modify existing data. Beginning SQL Programming begins by looking at what SQL is, then moves on to teach you the fundamentals of ANSI SQL, using the familiar Northwind database that comes with versions of Microsoft Access and SQL Server.

The book gives step-by-step instructions, alerts readers to common pitfalls, tricks and traps, and uses real-world examples, including two extensive case studies, to create a thorough tutorial. It will furnish readers with a firm grasp of SQL concepts that you can work with straight away, as well as provide solid foundations and challenging ideas with which you can later develop more advanced SQL techniques.

Included with this book is a 120-day evaluation enterprise edition of Microsoft's SQL Server 2000. An end user license agreement is contained in this licensed software.