Review: Programming SQL Server 2005 by Bill Hamilton
Programming SQL Server 2005, by Bill Hamilton, is an excellent book to help developers experienced with MS SQL 2000 to get up to speed on what's new in 2005. First, it is focused squarely towards developers, which is a great thing for developers -- no more having to wade through all of the DBA-oriented features. Next, it is only about the new features, which again is a good thing for most of us -- no need to skip the usual chapters on the basics of MS SQL and T-SQL. Finally, it is short and concise, with good practicle examples, which is good again -- no massive repeat of the documentation or silly hello world examples. There is good coverage of the new T-SQL syntax, of the CLR integration, of all things XML, of SMO which replaces DMO, and of SSIS which replaces DTS. There are also intros to all other features, like Web Services, WMI, Reporting, Server Agent, Service Broker, Notification, Replication, Analysis, and SQL Mobile. This content level feels about right for a concise book on what's new -- you may need more on some features, but there are entire books on some of these. Note that the book claims to be for all levels of developers, but its clearly only appropriate for those with SQL 2000 experience since its just what's new. Finally, as with every other book I've seen, there is no attempt to give you any advice on what you should avoid and why -- something that I would like to see. For instance, everyone likes to talk about CLR integration, but most will misuse this, and most DBAs will never allow you to use SQL Web Services. But in general, if you are an experienced MS SQL 2000 developer that wants to quickly get up to speed on SQL 2005, then this will be an excellent book for you.