Oracle PL/SQL Interactive Workbook (2nd Edition) (ISBN 0130473200) Book Reviews 1-11 Sorted By Most Recent, at VeryWellSaid.com

Great book for a beginning SQL user

This book is very easy to follow, and you can learn SQL very quickly. Just remember, you do need access to an Oracle database to do the exercises.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-27 06:39:40 EST)

04-13-04

0\1

An exercise in frustration

I bought this in hoping to find a PL/SQL book that could give me a real life lab exercise. I gave up on this book. The examples would sometime refer to advanced topics not discussed. There were errors. The exercises did not appear to be kitchen tested before the book was published. I am still looking for a good PL/SQL book that has good interactive lab exercises, if you find one please let the rest of us know.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-05-18 11:32:43 EST)

02-04-04

2\4

Awful

This book is awful. Elena, the author, mostly read from the textbook. Anyone can read from the textbook. Why buy this book if the author is just going to read from the text? My suggestions is to go to Oracle and buy their CBT. It is worth it.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-27 13:08:50 EST)

06-11-03

3\4

Poorly structured

If you like a structured lesson, then you will find this confusing. Usually you expect a lesson then examples and labs. In this book the lessons are mixed in the labs. Lessons often use something that isn't covered until a later chapter, but they don't mention this. This book looks to be rushed too early to publishing. If you are OK with a scattered instruction method, then this is the book for you. Unfortunately there aren't many alternatives to this book.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-27 13:08:50 EST)

01-23-03

6\6

BEST Intro to Intermediate PL/SQL Book on the Market

With over twenty years in large scale IT development using Java/C++/C/Assembly languages on Unix/Windows 2000/NT platforms, but a neophyte with PL/SQL, I needed a PL/SQL package that would assume no background knowledge in PL/SQL, get me up to speed fast, and at the same time be comprehensive. In other words, I wanted everything. This package no only satisfied this need, but opened up new avenues of thought concerning approaches to database programming. The book is simply matchless (it should get 6 stars--an extra star for the terrific exercises that incorporate hidden pearls of IT wisdom), and yes I have perused others on the market. Ms. Silvestrova demonstrates that she is a consummate professional. The flow of the book, depth of the hands-on exercises, and scope of material is an inimitable combination. This so far may sound over-glowing, but a workman is worthy of her hire. I would recommend this package to any introductory or middle level PL/SQL student. If you desire to be a competent PL/SQL professional, look no further. If you desire to have a guide that provides you with a solid answer to specific types of PL/SQL problems, look no further. However, if you seek a slick product that spoon feeds you programming palaver (under the guise of teaching), fly you fool: you have many under-performing options available.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-27 13:08:50 EST)

11-09-02

5\5

Excellent Workbok

Overall this book is is great for someone new to programming and/or Oracle PL/SQL. The book contains one lab after another to allow the true beginner to practice concepts. This is a real lab book with plenty of exercises, It should not be thought of as a manual. It is a good book if you need practice and examples that are explained to you.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-27 13:08:50 EST)

05-09-02

1\5

Almost Horrible

Grammar mistakes that lead you to wonder exactly what they are attempting to say, not systematic in explaining all the parameters/options of a command/function, and only skimming the surface of many concepts. Save your money, there's got to be a better book out there...

(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-27 13:08:50 EST)

04-25-02

0\3

Good idea, terrible execution

The idea of an interactive workbook is good, but this book is so riddled with errors, undefined terms, and grammatical/language errors as to be an embarrassment to the publisher. If you're going to publish a book by people whose first language isn't English, then make sure you get a very good copy editor and proofreader.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-27 13:08:50 EST)

03-27-02

1\4

A very bad start!

I don't know how the other reviewers got started with the book, if you must download anything from the authors website; I wasn't able to do that. I must have sent a few hundred emails to the author, and the web master - not a single response. Anyone awake? I wouldn't touch any of these books, if it requires me to download anything from their website, nor can you get a hold of anyone - very disappointed in deed.

(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-27 13:08:50 EST)

03-04-02

4\4

Excellent Book!!!!!

This is another awesome book by the PTR Oracle Series. First you need to read the first one, Oracle SQL by Alice Morrison, then you can read this one. This is a great book and you will learn PL/SQL efficiently, but there are a ton of grammatical errors and incorrect syntax being used in sentences which almost seems like as if nobody proof read this book haha. On page 85 Self-review question 2, it asks:
"When a COMMIT has been issued, which of the following are true? Choose all that apply.
A) All memory holds on the data have been released.
B) All data inserts are available to other users.
C) You have to get married.
D) The transaction is not finished because SQL statements are still pending.

Well in the book they have the answers as: A, B, and Yes, EVEN C. You have to get married lol I mean, if you're talking about a relationship then C is correct haha. But we're talking about comitting SQL statements. Go figure

(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-27 13:08:50 EST)

10-18-01

9\9

This is a good book!