Guru’s Guide to Transact-SQL

This is a coder's book. It's intended to help developers build applications that make use of Transact-SQL. It's
not about database administration or design. It's not about end-user or GUI application development. It's not
even about server or database performance tuning. It's about developing the best Transact-SQL code
possible, regardless of the application.
When I began writing this book, I had these design goals in mind:
• Be very generous with code samples—don't just tell readers how to do something, show them.
• Include complete code samples within the chapter texts so that the book can be read through without
requiring a computer or CD-ROM.
• Use modern coding techniques, with specific emphases on ANSI compliance and current version
features and enhancements.
• Construct chapters so that they're self-contained—so that they rely as little as possible on objects
created in other chapters.
• Provide real-world code samples that have intrinsic value apart from thebook.
• Avoid rehashing what's already covered extensively in the SQL Server Books Online.
• Highlight aspects of Transact-SQL that differentiate it from other SQL dialects; don't just write another
ANSI SQL book.
• Avoid excessive screenshots and other types of filler mechanisms often seen in computer books.
• Proceed from the simple to the complex within each chapter and throughout the book.
• Provide an easygoing, relaxed commentary with a de-emphasis on formality. Be the reader's
indulgent, amiable tutor. Attempt to communicate in writing the way that people speak.
You'll have to judge for yourself whether these goals have been met, but my hope is that, regardless of the
degree of success, the effort will at least be evident.