I have two new books that I can heartily recommend. This isn’t a review of either book since I’ve only just started reading them. However, I’ve used each to solve a couple of small problems within a day of having them on the shelf. To me, that proves their worth.
First up is Michael Coles new book “Pro SQL Server 2008 XML.” I’m still a bit jittery with XQuery… OK, I have a hard time writing XQuery and I have to look up how to do every step and I still get things wrong. Anyway… There are two entire chapters devoted to how to use XQuery and an appendix with an XQuery & XPath reference. Great stuff. Look for an extended review several weeks from now after I’ve had a chance to go through the book. Well done Michael.
Next is “Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Administration with Windows PowerShell” by Ananthakumar Muthusamy & Yan Pan. Yeah, I know, you’re either in the camp of “what the heck do you need PowerShell for” or “Oooh, there’s a book on PowerShell oriented towards SQL Server.” I’m obviously in the latter. Ever since Lori Edwards sent a tweet that she was reading the book, I was excited. I immediately jumped on Amazon & ordered the book. I’m happy with it. It’s THICK with code samples. I used it to solve a problem I was having with a little script. I’ll definately be using this book more.
Now the hard part is trying to get both books read.
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I just saw these two give a presentation on powershell at the CHI-SSUG August meeting. It was very informative and interesting. I would say I am in the middle of those camps. I would like to use it more but I need to study up on it.
I didn’t say I knew how to use it, or even had a good case for its use yet, I’m just jazzed by the language and the way it directly hooks into SQL Server (and Operations Manager, Exchange…). I’m still feeling my way with it.