Practical SQL Handbook, The: Using SQL Variants, Fourth Edition

Distinguishing SQL Examples and Syntax

This is the first chapter for which you'll actually be sitting at a terminal and typing commands, so now is the time to get familiar with this book's

• SQL example conventions

• SQL syntax conventions

An example is a SQL command that you might actually type, just as it appears (see Figure 3.1).

Figure 3.1. An Example of an Example

A syntax statement is more like a template that tells you exactly what is required (and what's permitted) for the command in question (Figure 3.2).

Figure 3.2. An Example of a Syntax Statement

Because a lot of information is packed into each syntax statement, it often helps to compare ...