The Best Database Books of 2024

Are you searching for the best database books? Are you tired of struggling to get good study guides on databases? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then you are in the right place. Too many people tend to shy away from the study of database because they think it to be a complicated and uninteresting subject. Sadly, that’s a huge mistake. What if we told you that database could be very simple and interesting to learn if you have the right materials?

In this article, we will provide a detailed review of the best database books. These books will help walk you through the process of learning different aspects of databases. Additionally, this article also contains a guide that provides tips to help you choose the right database books for your needs. Before getting to that, however, let’s review some of our recommended database books.

Our Favorites for Best Database Books

SQLite Forensics by Paul Sanderson

The author of this book recognizes the need for examining all the data held SQLite databases during investigations. Hence, he’s written the book to cover great details about the format of the SQLite database, and associated journals and Write-Ahead Logs (WAL). SQLite Forensics shows the process through which records are encoded on the SQL database engine present in smartphones and most computers. It also shows how to manually record the records and how to work on partially overwritten records.

One very popular feature of this book is how well it describes how readers can use the workings of SQLite to ascertain happenings in a manner that date alone may not show. It’s an excellent book to get when you are looking for a book that covers the basics of SQL and discusses how you can use SQL queries for testing hypotheses about the relationship of data in different tables. However, let’s mention that the book is written in the assumption that its reader has learned the basics of computer forensic. Therefore, it might not be a perfect option for starters.

What Makes It Unique:

• Throughout much of the book, the author assumes that readers have some prior knowledge of computer forensics. So, instead of delving deep into the basics of the subject, he just scratches a bit of it and goes into showing how SQL queries can be used to test hypotheses about the relationship of data in different tables.
• The text is relatively dense and would be hard to read for beginners. It is written with the assumption that readers have some basic knowledge of computer forensics.
• It offers enough information for computer professionals in general, especially those that are interested in the SQLite file format.

Why Choose This Database Book:

• In SQLite Forensics, the author walks you through learning why SQLite databases react the way they do.
• Its content is aimed at teaching both the theory and practice of SQLite database analysis.

---

Next Generation Databases: NoSQL and Big Data by Guy Harrison

Next Generation Databases: NoSQL and Big Data provide generous information on big data and databases. From the content of this book, it is obvious that it is written for data administrators, developers, and enterprise architects looking to understand the trends and latest developments in the world of database technologies. The author attempts to use this book to help you choose the right database technology at a time when concepts like Big Data, NewSQL, and NoSQL are changing what used to be an easy choice into a complex decision that has significant implications.

With recent explosions in database technology disrupting the relational database model that used to be a “one size fits all,” IT professionals now need sufficient information to help them shift to the trend. Next Generation Databases offers enough information to demystify the new database technologies of today. You’ll find the meaning of each technology and how they can be used to solve real-world problems.

What Makes It Unique:

• An important feature of Next Generation Databases: NoSQL and Big Data is its highlighting of the architectural differences that exist between technologies being considered when choosing database platforms for new projects.
• Instead of just introducing new technologies that are revolutionizing the database landscape, this book explains how technologies can be used to solve specific business challenges.
• The text is presented with simple and understandable language. This book reads like a guide.
• The book showcases the author’s in-depth knowledge of the most popular new wave databases and their real-life applications.

Why Choose This Database Book:

• Next Generation Databases: NoSQL and Big Data introduces you to newer technologies in the database world using practical and relatable illustrations
• A highly recommended book covering the concepts behind the NoSQL databases with sufficient details to help you fully understand the motivation behind NoSQL databases’ workings.
• A well-written book with well-organized information to help you catch up with the evolution of NoSQL databases.

Last update: 2024-04-27

---

SQL (Database Programming) by Chris Fehily

SQL (Database Programming) is an excellent guide that’s written to help you through learning SQL, the language of databases. Highly recommended for data scientists, data analysts, end-users, and app developers, this book contains the information you’ll need to walk from being an SQL novice to becoming a pro. The book contains general concepts, answers to confusing questions, and detailed explanations of different SQL statements and what they can do.

A big selling point for SQL (Database Programming) is its content of tons of examples varying in difficulty levels to help walk you through experimentations and explorations. It also contains SQL code listings that are written to help readers learn the language’s structure and elements.

What Makes It Unique:

• The text covers several extensive SQL using several primary resources; yet, it still maintains objectivity.
• Contains detailed information on how you can use SQL’s built-in operations and functions to manipulate and convert data
• Contains all the tricks, tips, and time-saving maneuvers, you’ll need to execute transactions while maintaining your data’s integrity.

Why Choose This Database Book

• Although it is generally classified as a hard read, this book still contains all the information needed to get you from a SQL novice to a pro. Many experts reference the works of Chris Fehily as an SQL masterpiece.
• The structure followed in this book matches the logical structure of the topic in focus.
  Instead of stopping at the basics like most other introductory books, SQL (Database Programming) goes deeper into explaining the topic’s complexities.

Last update: 2024-04-27

---

Runner Ups for Best Database Books

Seven Databases in Seven Weeks by Luc Perkins, Eric Redmond, and Jim Wilson

Seven Databases in Seven Weeks is a complete guide to learning modern databases and the NoSQL Movement. The author of this book recognizes the dynamism of the modern data world and how your choice of handling it can be. Therefore, he’s written this book as part of his quest to explore the depth of some of the most detailed databases available. The book covers the details on topics ranging from the traditional relational database to NoSQL, a newer approach. It also guides you on the path of making informed decisions as regards data storage problems that might pose a challenge for you.

As an upgrade to the first edition, this edition comes with more detailed explanations and a new chapter on Dynamo DV. In it, readers will learn how the NoSQL paradigm is opening up new horizons in performance and scalability, as well as how it is changing the way data-centric problems are approached.

What Makes It Unique:

• The text covers several extensive areas of databases and doesn’t compromise its objective with the availability of details.
• Seven Databases in Seven Weeks covers more than just the basics. Instead, it tackles real-world problems while highlighting the concepts and features that make them shine.
• Explores five database models along the way, including relational, document, columnar, key/value, and graph from the perspective of real challenges faced during application.

Why Choose This Database Book:

• Seven Databases in Seven Weeks contains comprehensive coverage of the subject matter. It is easy to read, with thorough information on each topic presented in the book.
• Offers just enough information to get you through any database interview.
• Uses a detailed explanation of the history of the database to help you better appreciate the future.

Last update: 2024-04-27

---

SQL Programming & Database Management For Absolute Beginners SQL Server, Structured Query Language Fundamentals by William Sullivan

If you are looking for an ultimate step by step guide to success in studying databases, then this is the right book for you. In it, the author covers the basics of learning SQL programming without complicated explanations. It is a guide that breaks down all the fundamental elements essential for you to become proficient in handling SQL programming and database management. The information provided in this book will boost your confidence and get you ready to take on any problem encompassing SQL.

Throughout the book, Sullivan tries to offer the right information to help you understand and handle SQL software, despite the complicated nature of the subject. The book makes SQL simple, flexible, and well-integrated into various database applications.

What Makes It Unique:

• Throughout the book, the author assumes that the audience does not have prior knowledge of the subject matter. Therefore, he focuses the book on giving step by step instructions that will help readers understand the basics before tackling complex aspects.
• SQL Programming & Database Management For Absolute Beginners SQL Server, Structured Query Language Fundamentals is an introductory database book at best, serving as a guide to walk you through mastering SQL programming.
• The text is easy to read. It is written with a beginner level in mind.

Why Choose This Database Book:

• SQL Programming & Database Management For Absolute Beginners SQL Server, Structured Query Language Fundamentals is one of the most comprehensive and detailed database books for beginners.
• The book does not only stop at giving you step by step instructions. It goes on to offer detailed diagrams that will help to enhance your understanding of the material.
• The author was able to balance ease of understanding with a friendly and engaging writing style.

Last update: 2024-04-27

---

Value Pick for Best Database Books

Database Concepts 9th Edition by Kroenke

Database Concepts Global Edition easily serves as a practical guide to help business professionals or database students understand, create, and manage small databases. In the book, David Kroenke takes a shot at helping to build a foundation for business professionals and management students to firmly understand the concept behind that software. It uses Access 2013 to illustrate concepts and techniques.

Throughout the book, the author ran three projects showing students how they can apply the concepts that the book covers in real life. A big sell for the book is how it combines information and analysis to offer an in-depth review of databases. Therefore, students can be guaranteed enough information to work on new databases.

What Makes It Unique:

• Within the pages of Database Concepts Global Edition, the author includes coverage of some of the latest information available on databases.
• Instead of the simple and straightforward language that most introductory books are known for, the text is quite dense and not exactly straight to the point. Still, it offers enough information and can be understood with enough concentration.

Why Choose This Database Book:

• Although Database Concepts Global Edition is written densely, it still serves as a great introduction to databases.
• This is an excellent book for classroom teachers looking for texts to help make the teaching process easier.

Last update: 2024-04-27

---

How to Choose the Database Books for You

Choosing the best database books doesn’t have to be as stressful as it seems. Depending on the information you have, you can make the process fun and insightful, although you’ll still need to put in some effort. It takes knowledge of what is right to choose the right database design and development book for your needs. This section would be focused on providing you with the necessary information and questions that you can utilize to pick the database modelling books.

A simple search on database books would bring up tons of textbooks ranging from database concepts books to SQL database books, and so on. However, the main work lies on determining if a text is right for you or not. Below are questions that would help you easily determine this.

Which Specific Database Type are You Looking to Learn?

One of the first things to do is to ask yourself what you are looking to learn. Database is a very encompassing subject that can easily become confusing if you don’t take it one step at a time. You must ask yourself if you are looking for the best book on RDBMS, SQL, or any other aspect. Once you are sure about what you want, it’ll become easier for you to find a book that addresses that aspect.

What Good Books on Database Do We Recommend for Advanced Learners?

As you advance in your database knowledge, your focus would begin to shift from database books for beginners to more advanced options. Thankfully, we’ve recommended quite a number of books for advanced learners in this book. However, if you still want other options, then you can ask for recommendations from a trusted book vendor.

Do You Want to Master SQL or at least the Basics of SQL

SQL is one of the most popular languages in the field of database. Every database professional needs some level of proficiency in SQL. However, SQL database books differ in complexity. Depending on your level, you’ll need to choose between books that treat the basics of SQL and other advanced options.

Wrapping Things Up: The Best Database Books

Here’s a helpful table to consolidate the best database books we looked at:

Last update: 2024-04-27

All the books reviewed in this article contain a massive amount of information on databases. Most of them can be used in and outside the classroom. They are recommended as reference texts, study materials, and so much more. The books would also serve you if you are not a database scientist but simply have an interest in the subject.

However, there’s a need for you to pick the book that’s right for you. The first step towards picking the right database books is to know what you are looking for. Typically, you’ll need to ask yourself several serious questions regarding what you intend to get from your choice book. A comprehensive answer to these questions will set you on the right path to picking a database book that’s right for you.

SQLite Forensics by Paul Sanderson is an excellent text to go for if you are looking for details about the format of the SQLite database, and associated journals and Write-Ahead Logs (WAL). Another great study-guide is Seven Databases in Seven Weeksby Luc Perkins, Eric Redmond, and Jim Wilson. The text is often recommended for people that are looking to learn the basics of SQL. All the books listed in this article are informative enough for study and non-study needs  there, irrespective of what book you are choosing from our list, you can be guaranteed to take a full dive into the world of database.

Because you read this post, you might like to read our reviews on the best computer networking books here.