the book and sql92

From: <kaiq(at)realtyideas(dot)com>
To: pgsql-sql(at)postgreSQL(dot)org
Subject: the book and sql92
Date: 1999-12-03 06:46:06
Message-ID: Pine.LNX.4.10.9912030013350.4044-100000@picasso.realtyideas.com
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I finished the book (version Nov 30). It is a very good one. clear and
straight to the point.
some comments:
A)
here are my 2-cents:
1)I found a type in p55 line 4552: "than" should be "that".
2) when I read it, I feel the data in the example should be given.
i.e., all the inserts should be given (esp. on p58).
B)
here is a big question: why you say that normalization is good for
data retreval (page 43 )? If my memory not wrong, it is ONLY good for data
update/insert/delete.

C) here is the main concern: sql92.
1) page3, after talk oss, the book should mention sql92;
and treat the whole book accordingly (see next).
2) page10, \g should not be used as recommened one. ; should be used.
this is not sql92 (?), but ";" is certainly the most used.
3) page19: single quotation mark should be mentioned as the prefered
one. (sql92 ).
4) page23: /* */ should be mentioned that it is not sql92.
5) page27: != is not sql92.
6) page28: regex is not sql92, so, should be considered ONLY
after tried like ;
7) page31: in "case", should indicate that "end" is not needed in sql92,
and thus very likely later version of pg may also not need end.
8) page61: oid should be used in caution, because, in short, it is not in
sql92.

in short, all non-necessary non-sql92 features should be put into
secondary position. all important feature that is not sql92 should
be pointed out.

we OSS/PG people should differentiate/advertize ourselves as
standard-keeper. so, this book should keep this as the main topic.
It will NOT confuse new user/beginner, if handled consistantly.
Also, it will add the worth-value for old pg user for sql92 info.

hope this book will not like all other vendor-oriented books where
as if sql86/92 never exists! sql86/92 are our friends, even family member!

Kai

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