I have been doing a survey of Oracle books since I have a need to learn this database.. I took this book out of the library and I was looking at some of their samples that look like they have been thrown out there expecting you to get the data behind them. I went online to Apress looking for the source code and downloaded it only to find that the data is missing from the tables (actually all the code contained simple select statements).



If you are learning SQL, and they are presenting how to you functions, they should provide the data as a download, included CD or some other format. Otherwise, the reader will have no clue behind what they are trying to show you...



For example, in chapter 4 they are showing the difference between using the select statement with and without the distinct attribute. According to their discussion their are 8 rows displayed instead of 14 except what is the original data entered into the table? Am I missing something?



The only good book that I found is Oracle Database by Jason Price. Even though he focuses on some small stuff he is coherent, complete and thorough in his presentation. In addition the complete source code can be downloaded from the web. The only thing is that he stuffs a lot of the examples into a few files but you can easily cut the information out that you need (at least the table data is provided to the user which really helps)...



Update:



This past week, I went to the Apress website and filled out an errata on this book... Even though, they said the writer will be contacted, I do not think anything will come about changing this issue (even though I do not believe it is a major fix).