Data Warehouse Design: Modern Principles and Methodologies
Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.Foreword by Mark Stephen LaRow, Vice President of Products, MicroStrategy"A unique and authoritative book that blends recent research developments with industry-level practices for researchers, students, and industry practitioners."Il-Yeol Song, Professor, College of Information Science and Technology, Drexel University
MySQL Administrator’s Bible
With special focus on the next major release of MySQL, this resource provides a solid framework for anyone new to MySQL or transitioning from another database platform, as well as experience MySQL administrators. The high-profile author duo provides essential coverage of the fundamentals of MySQL database management--including MySQL's unique approach to basic database features and functions--as well as coverage of SQL queries, data and index types, stores procedure and functions, triggers and views, and transactions. They also present comprehensive coverage of such topics as MySQL server tuning, managing storage engines, caching, backup and recovery, managing users, index tuning, database and performance monitoring, security, and more.
The Top Ten Algorithms in Data Mining
Identifying some of the most influential algorithms that are widely used in the data mining community, this volume provides a description of each algorithm, discusses the impact of the algorithms, and reviews current and future research on the algorithms. Thoroughly evaluated by independent reviewers, each chapter focuses on a particular algorithm and is written by either the original authors of the algorithm or world-class researchers who have extensively studied the respective algorithm. The book concentrates on the following important algorithms: C4.5, k-Means, SVM, Apriori, EM, PageRank, AdaBoost, kNN, Naive Bayes, and CART.
Mastering SQL Server 2008
As Microsoft's bestselling database manager, SQL Server is highly flexible and customizable, and has excellent support--the 2008 version offers several significant new capabilities. This book offers accurate and expert coverage on the updates to SQL Server 2008 such as its enhanced security; the ability to encrypt an entire database, data files, and log files without the need for application changes; a scalable infrastructure that can manage reports and analysis of any size and complexity; and its extensive performance data collection.
FileMaker Pro 10
The FileMaker Pro 10 desktop database lets you do almost anything with the information you give it -- especially with this book as your guide. Clear, thorough, and accessible, FileMaker Pro 10: The Missing Manual helps you get in, build your database, and get the results you need, whether you're running a business, pursuing a hobby, or planning your retirement. It's the ideal guide for non-technical and experienced folks alike. Each chapter in this fully updated edition covers the latest timesaving features of FileMaker Pro 10, including saved finds and a redesigned toolbar that reveals information and features more clearly than ever. You'll learn how to import information from the new Bento consumer database (Mac only), write scripts to make your database even easier to use, and send email without leaving FileMaker. With this book, you will: Get your first database running in minutes and perform basic tasks right away Catalog people, processes, and things with streamlined data entry and sorting tools Use your data to generate reports, correspondence, and other documents with ease Create, connect, and manage multiple tables and set up complex relationships that display just the data you need Crunch numbers, search text, or pin down dates and times with dozens of built-in formulas Outfit your database for the Web, and import and export data to other formats You'll also get objective advice on which features are really useful, and which aren't. To make the most of this database, you need FileMaker Pro 10: The Missing Manual -- the book that should have been in the box.
Oracle Database 11g
Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.Get a Solid Foundation in Oracle Database TechnologyMaster Oracle Database 11g fundamentals quickly and easily. Using self-paced tutorials, this book covers core database essentials, the role of the administrator, high availability, and large database features. Oracle Database 11g: A Beginner's Guide walks you, step by step, through database setup, administration, programming, backup, and recovery. In-depth introductions to SQL and PL/SQL are included. Designed for easy learning, this exclusive Oracle Press guide offers: Core Concepts--Oracle Database 11g topics presented in logically organized chapters Critical Skills--Lists of specific skills covered in each chapter Projects--Practical exercises that show how to apply the critical skills learned in each chapter Progress Checks--Quick self-assessment sections to check your progress Notes--Extra information related to the topic being coveredMastery Checks--Chapter-ending quizzes to test your knowledge
Pro SQL Server 2008 Relational Database Design and Implementation
Louis Davidson's book on database design is a solid, five-star book on Amazon that is reviewed and endorsed by leading lights such as Adam Mechanic and James Luetkehoelter. The book is technically and theoretically sound, and is grounded in best-practices. The previous two editions have sold in excess of 5000 units. There is no better book on database design catering to the SQL Server professional.
Pro T-sql 2008 Programmer’s Guide
Skill with the Transact-SQL language is key to any developer making use of Microsoft SQL Server. Written especially for developers, the Pro T-SQL 2008 Programmer's Guide shows developers the full range of what's possible using the language. Readers become fully-grounded in the language, in the key features that SQL Server has to offer, and they are introduced to best-practices that will help ensure their success.
Microsoft SQL Server 2008: A Beginner’s Guide
Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.Get Started on Microsoft SQL Server 2008 in No TimeLearn to use all of the powerful features available in SQL Server 2008 quickly and easily. Microsoft SQL Server 2008: A Beginner's Guide explains the fundamentals of each topic alongside examples and tutorials that walk you through real-world database tasks. Install SQL Server 2008, construct high-performance databases, use powerful Transact-SQL statements, create stored procedures and triggers, and execute simple and complex database queries. Performance tuning, Database Engine security, Business Intelligence, and XML are also covered. Set up, configure, and maintain SQL Server 2008Build and manage database objects using Transact-SQL statements Create stored procedures and user-defined functionsOptimize database performance, availability, and reliabilityImplement solid security using authentication, encryption, and authorization Automate tasks using SQL Server AgentCreate reliable data backups and perform flawless system restoresUse all-new SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence, development, and administration toolsLearn in detail the SQL Server XML technology (SQLXML)
Beginning SQL Server 2008 for Developers
Beginning SQL Server 2008 for Developers is the starting-point in the Apress roadmap of titles for developers who wish to base their projects upon Microsoft's flagship database management system. The book takes developers from the point of installing SQL Server 2008, through the process of storing, retrieving, and securing data, to the point of being able to serve up business reports using SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services. The author has been hooked on programming ever since he bought his first computer, a Sinclair ZX80, in 1980. He maintains visibility in the field through his website and his other books. The two previous editions of this book have sold well.
SQL Bible
Harness SQL for Oracle 11g, IBM DB2, and Microsoft SQL Server 2008Combining theory with everyday practicality, this definitive volume is packed with up-to-date information, new features, and explanations you need to get the very most out of SQL and its latest standard. The book is unique in that every chapter highlights how the new SQL standard applies to the three major databases, Oracle 11g, IBM DB2 9.5, and Microsoft SQL Server 2008. The result is a comprehensive, useful, and real-world reference for all SQL users, from beginners to experienced developers. Learn the basics of SQL and relational databases Explore tables, views, sequences, and other database objects Examine transactions and locking in multiuser environments Review functions mandated by the SQL standard and the three major vendors Access metadata information and implement database security Go beyond SQL to XML integration, OLAP business intelligence, and more Companion Web SiteFind downloadable code examples and more at www.wiley.com/go/SQLBible2
ADO.NET 3.5 Cookbook
This guide is strikingly different from other books on Microsoft ADO.NET. Rather than load you down with theory, the new edition of ADO.NET 3.5 Cookbook gives you more than 200 coding solutions and best practices for real problems you're likely to face with this technology using Visual Studio 2008 and the .NET 3.5 platform. Organized to help you find the topic and specific recipe you need quickly and easily, this book is more than just a handy compilation of cut-and-paste C# code. ADO.NET 3.5 Cookbook also offers clear explanations of how and why each code solution works, and warns you of potential pitfalls so you can learn to adapt the book's problem-solving techniques to different situations. This collection of timesaving recipes covers vital topics including: Connecting to data Retrieving and managing data Transforming and analyzing data Modifying data Binding data to .NET user interfaces Optimizing .NET data access Enumerating and maintaining database objects Maintaining database integrity Ideal for ADO.NET programmers at all levels, from the relatively inexperienced to the most sophisticated, this new edition covers the significant 3.5 upgrade, including new programming tools such as LINQ. ADO.NET 3.5 Cookbook offers a painless way for those of you who prefer to learn by doing when it comes to expanding your skills and productivity.
Business Intelligence for Dummies
You're intelligent, right? So you've already figured out that Business Intelligence can be pretty valuable in making the right decisions about your business. But you've heard at least a dozen definitions of what it is, and heard of at least that many BI tools. Where do you start? Business Intelligence For Dummies makes BI understandable! It takes you step by step through the technologies and the alphabet soup, so you can choose the right technology and implement a successful BI environment. You'll see how the applications and technologies work together to access, analyze, and present data that you can use to make better decisions about your products, customers, competitors, and more. You'll find out how to: Understand the principles and practical elements of BI Determine what your business needs Compare different approaches to BI Build a solid BI architecture and roadmap Design, develop, and deploy your BI plan Relate BI to data warehousing, ERP, CRM, and e-commerce Analyze emerging trends and developing BI tools to see what else may be useful Whether you're the business owner or the person charged with developing and implementing a BI strategy, checking out Business Intelligence For Dummies is a good business decision.
Oracle Database 11g Dba Handbook
The Essential Resource for Oracle DBAs--Fully Updated and ExpandedManage a flexible, highly available Oracle database with help from the expert information contained in this exclusive Oracle Press guide. Fully revised to cover every new feature and utility, Oracle Database 11g DBA Handbook shows how to perform a new installation, upgrade from previous versions, configure hardware and software for maximum efficiency, and employ bulletproof security. You will learn to automate the backup and recovery process, provide transparent failover capability, audit and tune performance, and distribute your enterprise databases with Oracle Net.Plan and deploy permanent, temporary, and bigfile tablespacesOptimize disk allocation, CPU usage, I/O throughput, and SQL queriesDevelop powerful database management applicationsGuard against human errors using Oracle Flashback and Oracle Automatic Undo ManagementDiagnose and tune system performance using Oracle Automatic Workload Repository and SQL Tuning SetsImplement robust security using authentication, authorization, fine-grained auditing, and fine-grained access controlMaintain high availability using Oracle Real Application Clusters and Oracle Active Data GuardRespond more efficiently to failure scenarios by leveraging the Oracle Automatic Diagnostic Repository and the Oracle Repair AdvisorBack up and restore tables, tablespaces, and databases with Oracle Recovery Manager and Oracle Data Pump Export and ImportWork with networked databases, data warehouses, and VLDBs Put the latest Oracle Database 11g tools to work--Oracle Total Recall, Oracle Flashback Data Archive, and more
Visualizing Data
Enormous quantities of data go unused or underused today, simply because people can't visualize the quantities and relationships in it. Using a downloadable programming environment developed by the author, Visualizing Data demonstrates methods for representing data accurately on the Web and elsewhere, complete with user interaction, animation, and more. How do the 3.1 billion A, C, G and T letters of the human genome compare to those of a chimp or a mouse? What do the paths that millions of visitors take through a web site look like? With Visualizing Data, you learn how to answer complex questions like these with thoroughly interactive displays. We're not talking about cookie-cutter charts and graphs. This book teaches you how to design entire interfaces around large, complex data sets with the help of a powerful new design and prototyping tool called "Processing". Used by many researchers and companies to convey specific data in a clear and understandable manner, the Processing beta is available free. With this tool and Visualizing Data as a guide, you'll learn basic visualization principles, how to choose the right kind of display for your purposes, and how to provide interactive features that will bring users to your site over and over. This book teaches you: The seven stages of visualizing data -- acquire, parse, filter, mine, represent, refine, and interact How all data problems begin with a question and end with a narrative construct that provides a clear answer without extraneous details Several example projects with the code to make them work Positive and negative points of each representation discussed. The focus is on customization so that each one best suits what you want to convey about your data set The book does not provide ready-made "visualizations" that can be plugged into any data set. Instead, with chapters divided by types of data rather than types of display, you'll learn how each visualization conveys the unique properties of the data it represents -- why the data was collected, what's interesting about it, and what stories it can tell. Visualizing Data teaches you how to answer questions, not simply display information.
Oracle Database 11g New Features
Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.FOREWORD by Tom KyteYour Must-Have Guide to Everything New in Oracle Database 11gRealize the full potential of Oracle Database 11g with help from the experts. Written by Robert G. Freeman, and with insightful commentary throughout from Arup Nanda, this Oracle Press guide offers full details on the architectural changes, database administration upgrades, availability and recovery revisions, security enhancements, and programming innovations. Every new and updated feature is covered and presented with screenshots, code samples, tables, and charts. Find out how to take full advantage of all the new and improved capabilities of Oracle Database 11g, including: New Oracle Automatic Storage Management features, such as Fast Disk Resync, Compatibility Attributes, Preferred Mirror Read, and Rolling Upgrade componentsImproved Automated Memory Management capabilities New database design features, such as virtual columns, tablespace encryption, and true table-level data compressionNew Database Advisors for data recovery and repair, partitioning, and streams performanceNew tuning features, such as Automatic SQL Tuning and SQL Performance AnalyzerEnhancements to Oracle RMAN, including active database duplication and UNDO backup optimizationImproved auditing and security capabilitiesAdvanced BI, data warehousing, and partitioning featuresNew SQL and PL/SQL enhancements
Oracle Database 11g SQL
Write powerful SQL statements and PL/SQL programs Learn to access Oracle databases through SQL statements and construct PL/SQL programs with guidance from Oracle expert, Jason Price. Published by Oracle Press, Oracle Database 11g SQL explains how to retrieve and modify database information, use SQL Plus and SQL Developer, work with database objects, write PL/SQL programs, and much more. Inside, you'll find in-depth coverage of the very latest SQL features and tools, performance optimization techniques, advanced queries, Java support, and XML. This book contains everything you need to master SQL. Explore SQL Plus and SQL Developer Use SQL SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements Write PL/SQL programs Create tables, sequences, indexes, views, and triggers Write advanced queries containing complex analytical functions Create database objects and collections to handle abstract data Use large objects to handle multimedia files containing music and movies Write Java programs to access an Oracle Database using JDBC Tune your SQL statements to make them execute faster Explore the XML capabilities of the Oracle Database Master the very latest Oracle Database 11g features, such as PIVOT and UNPIVOT, flashback archives, and much more
Access Data Analysis Cookbook
If you have large quantities of data in a Microsoft Access database, and need to study that data in depth, this book is a data cruncher's dream. Access Data Analysis Cookbook offers practical recipes to solve a variety of common problems that users have with extracting Access data and performing calculations on it. Each recipe includes a discussion on how and why the solution works. Whether you use Access 2007 or an earlier version, this book will teach you new methods to query data, different ways to move data in and out of Access, how to calculate answers to financial and investment issues, and more. Learn how to apply statistics to summarize business information, how to jump beyond SQL by manipulating data with VBA, how to process dates and times, and even how to reach into the Excel data analysis toolkit. Recipes demonstrate ways to: Develop basic and sophisticated queries Apply aggregate functions, custom functions, regular expressions, and crosstabs Apply queries to perform non-passive activities such as inserting, updating, and deleting data Create and manipulate tables and queries programmatically Manage text-based data, including methods to isolate parts of a string and ways to work with numbers that are stored as text Use arrays, read and write to the Windows registry, encrypt data, and use transaction processing Use the FileSystemObject, use XML with XSLT, communicate with SQL Server, and exchange data with other Office products Find answers from time-based data, such as how to add time, count elapsed time, work with leap years, and how to manage time zones in your calculations Deal with business and finance problems, including methods for calculating depreciation, loan paybacks, and Return on Investment (ROI) Explore statistical techniques, such as frequency, variance, kurtosis, linear regression, combinations and permutations Access Data Analysis Cookbook is a one-stop-shop for extracting nuggets of valuable information from your database, and anyone with Access experience will benefit from these tips and techniques, including seasoned developers. If you want to use your data, and not just store it, you'll find this guide indispensable.
Pro T-sql 2005 Programmer’s Guide
T-SQL is the fundamental language for database programming in SQL Server 2005. All professional SQL Server users need to know it and, even more important, must understand how to use it well. To achieve this they need a convenient single source of information and advice. This book provides that, clearly and comprehensively. Both database administrators and developers will find this highly readable, detailed description of T-SQL an eye-opening and invaluable reference for as long as they work with SQL Server 2005. The author has over a decade's experience designing and administering SQL Server databases.
Oracle Database 10g Real Application Clusters Handbook
Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.Learn cutting-edge technology from Oracle expertsWritten by Oracle insiders, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Real Application Clusters -- low-cost hardware platforms that can rival and exceed the quality of service, availability, and scalability of the most expensive mainframe systems.Concepts covered are applicable to all previous versions of OracleTuning and troubleshooting tips, providing insight on the most advanced diagnostics availableDetailed coverage of advanced RAC conceptsWorking code for all examples available online
FileMaker Pro Design & Scripting for Dummies
Get the scoop on designing databases for Mac and Windows Use FileMaker Pro design and scripting to quickly, easily build databases that solve real problems FileMaker Pro has grown up, and it's better than ever! This easy-to-use guide shows you how to design a great FileMaker application, build a database that works, add the functionality you need, populate your database, and venture into programming with ScriptMaker. You'll find out how to share and protect your database, too. Discover how to * Build a layout that works * Create custom triggers and calculated fields * Generate reports automatically * Manage security * Publish your database on the Web * Embed pictures, sound, and video
Grid Revolution
Flexible, reliable, and inexpensive, enterprise grid computing is the ideal solution to today's changing business needs. Perfect for business decision-makers, Grid Revolution provides an accessible overview of this technology. The book covers current grid standards activities and outlines the strategic steps required to phase grid computing into an existing infrastructure.
Pro SQL Server 2005 Database Design And Optimization
This book teaches the SQL Server database professional effective strategies for designing proper databases, covering everything from how to gather business requirements, to logical data modeling, and normalization. It then shows you how to implement your design on SQL Server 2005. However, this new fully-revised edition does not stop there. Having established an understanding of the process of designing and implementing SQL Server 2005 databases, it then provides completely new material describing how to optimize and secure access to this data, covering indexing strategies, SQL design and optimization as well as strategies for increased scalability to support large numbers of concurrent users. It also provides in-depth advice on optimal code distribution in SQL Server 2005 applications, in light of innovations such as the ability to use .NET code in the database itself (see SQL Server 2005 Assemblies Revealed, Apress, ISBN: 1-59059-412-6).
Cost-based Oracle Fundamentals
In this book, volume 1 in a series of three, Jonathan covers the fundamentals: the things that everyone who uses the Oracle database needs to know about the CBO. It sheds light on the decisions the CBO makes when parsing a SQL statement and choosing an access plan. It demonstrates how the CBO calculates the cost of a plan and the rules and factors that go into these calculations. It reveals the basic assumptions the optimizer makes about the SQL and the data, explains why things go wrong and how you can fix them when those assumptions are incomplete, inaccurate, or simply false. He also includes a fabulous Upgrade Headaches section that is essential reading for anyone who has ever has, or ever will, upgrade between Oracle versions. Volumes 2 and 3 will track changes to the CBO in subsequent Oracle 10g releases, and will cover the more advanced and complex features of optimization.
Expert Oracle Jdbc Programming
This book tackles issues head-on, detailing concisely and clearly the vital details of Oracle's architecture and mode of operation that directly impact the manner in which JDBC applications should be written. Only when armed with this knowledge, a willingness to exploit the database to its full potential in your JDBC code, and the ability to use Oracle's SQL and PL/SQL features when appropriate, is it possible to write truly efficient, robust, scalable and high performance applications.
Access Hacks
As part of the Microsoft Office suite, Access has become the industry's leading desktop database management program for organizing, accessing, and sharing information. But taking advantage of this product to build increasingly complex Access applications requires something more than your typical how-to book. What it calls for is Access Hacks from O'Reilly. This valuable guide provides direct, hands-on solutions that can help relieve the frustrations felt by users struggling to master the program's various complexities. For experienced users, Access Hacks offers a unique collection of proven techniques and tools that enable them to take their database skills and productivity to the next level. For Access beginners, it helps them acquire a firm grasp of the program's most productive features. A smart collection of insider tips and tricks, Access Hacks covers all of the program's finer points. Among the multitude of topics addressed, it shows users how to: work with Access in multi-user environments utilize SQL queries work with external data and programs integrate Access with third-party products Just imagine: a learning process without the angst. Well, Access Hacks delivers it with ease, thanks to these down-and-dirty techniques not collected together anywhere else. Part of O'Reilly's best-selling Hacks series, Access Hacks is based on author Ken Bluttman's two decades of real-world experience in database programming and business application building. It's because of his vast experiences that the book is able to offer such a deep understanding of the program's expanding possibilities.
Peoplesoft For The Oracle DBA
This book offers Oracle DBAs training appropriate for understanding and handling PeopleSoft technology. DBAs will learn a range of techniques, including: indexing, implementing DDL, managing tablespaces, and fixing low-performing SQL queries. Written by a field expert, this book answers common questions and misunderstandings that arise from use of PeopleSoft on an Oracle database. The result is a highly effective training manual for any Oracle DBA charged with the maintenance of a PeopleSoft system.
Understanding Open Source And Free Software Licensing
If you've held back from developing open source or free software projects because you don't understand the implications of the various licenses, you're not alone. Many developers believe in releasing their software freely, but have hesitated to do so because they're concerned about losing control over their software. Licensing issues are complicated, and both the facts and fallacies you hear word-of-mouth can add to the confusion. Understanding Open Source and Free Software Licensing helps you make sense of the different options available to you. This concise guide focuses on annotated licenses, offering an in-depth explanation of how they compare and interoperate, and how license choices affect project possibilities. Written in clear language that you don't have to be a lawyer to understand, the book answers such questions as: What rights am I giving up? How will my use of OS/FS licensing affect future users or future developers? Does a particular use of this software--such as combining it with proprietary software--leave me vulnerable to lawsuits? Following a quick look at copyright law, contracts, and the definition of "open source," the book tackles the spectrum of licensing, including: The MIT (or X), BSD, Apache and Academic Free licenses The GPL, LGPL, and Mozilla licenses The QT, Artistic, and Creative Commons licenses Classic Proprietary licenses Sun Community Source license and Microsoft Shared Source project The book wraps up with a look at the legal effects--both positive and negative--of open source/free software licensing. Licensing is a major part of what open source and free software are all about, but it's still one of the most complicated areas of law. Even the very simple licenses are tricky. Understanding Open Source and Free Software Licensing bridges the gap between the open source vision and the practical implications of its legal underpinnings. If open source and free software licenses interest you, this book will help you understand them. If you're an open source/free software developer, this book is an absolute necessity.
Oracle Initialization Parameters Pocket Reference
Oracle designed its database products to be flexible and configurable so they would operate on a variety of hardware platforms, and they succeeded--Oracle software runs on more than seventy computer platforms, from mainframes to PC networks to handheld PDAs. The secret to this flexibility lies in the software's initialization parameters, whose numerous settings can be configured for top performance in countless environments. On the downside, however, improper settings can slow a system down; even grind it to a halt. And with so many parameters--which change from version to version of Oracle software--it's challenging for Oracle administrators to keep in mind the characteristics and optimal settings for each parameter. The Oracle Initialization Parameters Pocket Reference provides the crucial information you need to make key adjustments to your Oracle database. This concise guide is a mix of invaluable performance tips and a quick reference to Oracle's initialization parameters. The book describes each initialization parameter, indicates what category it's in--from auditing to multi-threaded server MTS--and whether it can be modified dynamically via the ALTER SESSION or ALTER SYSTEM command. In addition to the details about parameter characteristics and settings, you'll find performance tips, such as how the various parameters interact, and what the most advantageous settings are for different configurations. No other reference focuses exclusively on these initialization parameters--an absolute must for anyone working with an Oracle database. Presented in a handy, easy-to-use format, the Oracle Initialization Parameters Pocket Reference is a welcome alternative for anyone who's struggled to memorize the best configuration settings or gone back and forth to online resources, trying to figure out what works. O'Reilly's Pocket References put the information you need close at hand where you need it most. This guide will keep your Oracle databases operating at peak performance.
Oracle Sql*Loader
SQL*Loader is a ubiquitous tool in the Oracle world. It has been shipped with Oracle since at least Version 6 and continues to be supported and enhanced with each new version of Oracle, including Oracle8 and Oracle8i. The job of SQL*Loader is to load data from flat files into an Oracle database. It's optimized for loading large volumes of data, and is flexible enough to handle virtually any input format. Almost every Oracle user has to use SQL*Loader at one time or another, and DBAs are frequently called upon to load data for the users in their organization. Despite SQL*Loader's wide availability and usage, few DBAs and developers know how to get the most out of it. Oracle SQL*Loader: The Definitive Guide has everything you need to know to put SQL*Loader to its best use: an introduction to SQL*Loader, a reference to all of its syntax options, and most importantly, step-by-step instructions for all the SQL*Loader tasks you'd want to perform--and maybe some you didn't realize you COULD perform. You'll learn how to construct the necessary control files and load from different types of files containing different types of data (e.g., fixed-width data, delimited data, and data of various datatypes). You'll also learn how to validate data, load it selectively, transform it as it is loaded, and recover after failure. This book explains how to optimize SQL*Loader performance by adjusting the transaction size and using the new direct path option. It also covers the newest SQL*Loader features--the loading of large object (LOB) columns and the new object types (nested tables, varying arrays, and object tables). Oracle SQL*Loader: The Definitive Guide is an indispensable resource for anyone who is new to SQL*Loader; a task-oriented learning tool for those who are already using it; and a quick reference for every user. If you want to take best advantage of an essential Oracle tool, you need this book.
Turtles, Termites, and Traffic Jams
How does a bird flock keep its movements so graceful and synchronized? Most people assume that the bird in front leads and the others follow. In fact, bird flocks don't have leaders: they are organized without an organizer, coordinated without a coordinator. And a surprising number of other systems, from termite colonies to traffic jams to economic systems, work the same decentralized way. Turtles, Termites, and Traffic Jams describes innovative new computational tools that can qhelp people (even young children) explore the workings of such systems--and help them move beyond the centralized mindset.