Beginning Databases with PostgreSQL

I disagree with the previous review of this book. As it's title suggests it's a beginners guide to postgreSQL. In my opinion it needs to include the installation instructions AND how it links to Excel, etc. Face it most people will connect to it from an external source, and beginners will need to know. Personally I think the previous reviewer was harsh, and possibly expecting too much/many advanced techniques.
I spent a day reading the book, and then got my hands dirty and had a working database with Windows & PHP connectivity (which was my projects criteria) within 48 hours of picking up the book. Fortunately RedHat 7.1 installed all the packages I needed so I didn't need to follow the install instructions, but for novice users I'd say they're a godsend.
I'd recommend reading some of the book before getting in front of a PC, but the book is well balanced between theory and hands on excercise.
All in all an excellent point of reference, and although a lot of help is on the web, it's nice to have it in one place ;-)

Not worth it :-( (3/15 people found this helpful)

I had a look through this in a bookshop and my feeling is it's not worth buying. There are few books available on Postgresql so I was looking forward to this one with interest (it had been in my Amazon basket for a couple of weeks). Alas I was disappointed and put it back on the shelf in two minutes.

It shows how to install Postgresql. This is a waste of x pages as this is a snip for FreeBSD (using ports or packages) and Linux (using apt or rpm). If you want to install from source (I ususally do) the instructions are quite clear enough in the readme file.

It shows some basic SQL. Why? This is a book on Postgresql, so why not discuss Postgresql?

It shows GUI pictures of connecting Excel to Postgresql. It shows how to connect using Java. These would be of limited interest.

In all, I feel there is little knowledge to be gained from this book. It is padded with install instructions and beginner's SQL and thin on meat. I have several Wrox books and if I'd bought this one it would have been the worst. There is far better information available on Postgresql on the web...

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Books -> Subjects -> Computing & Internet -> General
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Neil Matthew, Richard Stones

Reader Reviews:

Excellent beginners guide to postgreSQL (and SQL in general) (12/12 people found this helpful)

Not worth it :-( (3/15 people found this helpful)

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