SQL Functions Programmers Reference

• Gives programmers two-in-one coverage, with both a "how-to" on SQL functions and a complete SQL functions reference
• SQL is the standard language for database queries; this book''s advanced coverage helps programmers write their own SQL functions
• Covers both the internationally standardized SQL 99 functions and the hundreds of additional functions introduced by vendors, including the subtle variations required to successfully migrate or interoperate between vendor products
• Covers the latest versions of the major relational database management system (RDMS) applications: Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, IBM DB2, and MySQL

SQL Functions

SQL functions are special commands for manipulating data. The international SQL standard defines many functions implemented by all major RDBMS vendors. This comprehensive SQL functions reference enables you to quickly master SQL function data manipulation in any database.

First, the book presents the basics you need to use standard SQL functions with any database. Then the expert authors take you into the core reference material for built-in and user-defined SQL functions in each major RDBMS product. Packed with examples, you''ll immediately learn to apply standard functions and extend your power with functions you define.

You''ll learn all of this from a core author team from Perpetual Technologies, Inc. These experts have extensive experience with Oracle^®, SQL Server, Sybase, DB2^®, and MySQL^®, database design and management for some of the world''s largest corporations and government agencies.

What you will learn from this book

• How to cross-reference different SQL implementations and integrate data from different vendor products
• Ways to create custom functions using vendors'' procedural extensions
• Numerous SQL implementations, such as ANSI SQL, Oracle^®, Microsoft^® SQL Server^®, Sybase, MySQL^®, IBM^®DB2^®, and PostgreSQL
• How the internationally standardized SQL 99 functions are implemented in various vendor-specific products
• User-defined functions built with proprietary procedural extensions
• Expert guidance on moving from one RDBMS to another

Who this book is for

This book is for the SQL programmer or software developer of any level who needs to effectively retrieve data from a relational database or integrate applications with RDBMS implementations.

Wrox Programmer''s References are designed to give the experienced developer straight facts on a new technology, without hype or unnecessary explanations. They deliver hard information with plenty of practical examples to help you apply new tools to your development projects today.

Arie Jones is a senior database administrator for Perpetual Technologies, Inc. (www.perptech.com). He holds a master's degree in physics from Indiana State University and also works as the chief Web architect/DBA for the USPFO for Indiana. Arie's main specialty is in developing .NET-based database solutions for the government. He and his wife and family live outside of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ryan Stephens is the president and CEO of Perpetual Technologies, Inc. (www.perptech.com), an Indianapolis-based IT firm specializing in database technologies. Ryan has been working with SQL and databases for 15 years and has held the positions of project manager, database administrator, and programmer/analyst. Ryan has been teaching database courses for local universities since 1997 and has authored several internationally published books on topics such as database design, SQL, database architecture, database administration, and Oracle. Ryan enjoys discovering new ways to optimize the use of technology to streamline business operations, as well as empowering others to do the same. Ryan and his wife live in Indianapolis with their three children.

Ronald R. Plew is vice president and CIO for Perpetual Technologies, Inc. (www.perptech.com) in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ron is a Certified Oracle Professional. He has coauthored several internationally published books on SQL and database technology. Ron is also an adjunct professor for Vincennes University in Indiana, where he teaches SQL and various database courses. Ron holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration/management from Indiana Institute of Technology out of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ron recently retired from the Indiana Army National Guard, where he served as a programmer/analyst. His hobbies include automobile racing, chess, golf, and collecting Indy 500 memorabilia. Ron resides in Indianapolis with his wife Linda.

Bob Garrett is the software development manager at Perpetual Technologies, Inc. (www.perptech.com). Bob's languages of preference are Java, C++, and English. He has extensive experience integrating applications with relational databases. Bob has a degree in computer science and mathematics from Purdue University, and lives with his wife and daughter near Indianapolis.

Alex Kriegel is a professional database systems analyst with a major manufacturing firm in Oregon. He has more than 10 years of database experience working with Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, DB2, Sybase, and PostgreSQL both as developer and DBA. Alex has a bachelor of science degree in solid-state physics from State Polytechnic Institute of Minsk, Belarus, and has earned the Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) accreditation. He is the author of SQL Bible. Alex wrote the first draft of approximately two-thirds of this book.