Joe Celko's Thinking in Sets: Auxiliary, Temporal, and Virtual Tables in SQL:

Perfectly intelligent programmers often struggle when forced to work with SQL. Why? Joe Celko believes the problem lies with their procedural programming mindset, which keeps them from taking full advantage of the power of declarative languages. The result is overly complex and inefficient code, not to mention lost productivity.

This book will change the way you think about the problems you solve with SQL programs.. Focusing on three key table-based techniques, Celko reveals their power through detailed examples and clear explanations. As you master these techniques, you’ll find you are able to conceptualize problems as rooted in sets and solvable through declarative programming. Before long, you’ll be coding more quickly, writing more efficient code, and applying the full power of SQL

* Joe brings you comprehensive treatment of SQL programming techniques that make use of tables rather than procedural code.

* The focus on real world examples and Joe's creative teaching style enable SQL programmers to conquer a common weak spot, while learning these new tools.

* A unique contribution, many techniques which are novel and unavailable elsewhere.