Good intro to SQL Server 2008 book?

[BeLgaRiOn]

Hi guys,

I have recently started work as a BI analyst and was wondering if there is any specific book that you could recommend for skilling up in SQL?

I come from an economics background and my 'programming' experience involves SAS, Eviews and STATA.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[Messugga]

I like O'Reily's books for such things. Depends a bit on what your goal is though. Would you just like to get better at writing queries?

 

[shauntir]

Personally, I found the "Training Kit (Exam 70-461) Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012" really useful. It was practical in the sense that if you actually work through the code, you really begin to understand the concepts.

Also, doing this certification allows you to then move into the BI stream later on. Might be a nice to have...