The SQL language is pretty easy to use and learn with little to no help. It is also a handy language to know if you know you will be working with large datasets stored in databases. There are all kinds of books out there to help you learn any programming languages there are books to learn php, dba books, javascript books, even a certification book for any language, and more. All you have to do is Google something like "best javascript books," and you will turn up many highly recommended results.
Why Learn MySQL?
MySQL is a programming language mainly used to manipulate large datasets. It came out in 1995 as a faster less bulky alternative to database management systems already out there such as ISAM. MySQL is open source; this means that if you go to the MySQL website with ideas for useful augmentation to the code your ideas will be heard by the group, no matter who you are.
People that run statistics on large amounts of data, work on organizing large datasets, or in an IT position is that puts them in front of lots of data would benefit from learning MySQL. Many advanced functions allow for storing commands, editing, as well as secondary applications that provide enhancements as well.
Here are some recommended books to learn MySQL fast:
MySQL - Developer's Library (5th Edition)
"MySQL, Developer's Library" by Paul DuBois is just what it says. It is a book designed to be like an encyclopedia of commands and explanations for MySQL developers to use. It is more of a reference book than a book that should be used to learn MySQL from the ground up. It could also be considered a stored procedure book because you can store many of the examples as quick call functions. The book is recommended for people that already have an idea about the basics of using MySQL or have programming experience in other languages. Something to note about this book is that the examples are not formatted correctly on the Kindle version, this may have been corrected, but it is something to be aware of.
Murach's MySQL, 2nd Edition
"Murach's MySQL" refers to itself on the cover as a training and reference manual. This book was written by a programmer for programmers. If you are not already a programmer, you may have a tough time getting through the book without additional assistance. MySQL is a popular language to learn, so if you are stuck on something in the book, there are plenty of forums that you can visit to get questions answered.
High Performance MySQL: Optimization, Backups, and Replication
"High Performance MySQL" by Schwartz, Zaitsev, and Tkachenko could be considered a MySQL optimization book for some of the contents that it has inside. The book is excellent for streamlining and understanding the inner workings of your MySQL database. It will help you to optimize many subroutines and show you some tricks to handling larger and larger amounts of data as a company grows. This book is again, great for people that already have an idea of MySQL basics.
SQL QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner's Guide To SQL
The "SQL QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner's Guide To SQL" book by ClydeBank Technology is a beginner's manual for people with little programming experience that want to learn SQL. Using this book readers will learn the basics of the SQL database language. They will learn how to set up and parse and compile their own small datasets. Again this book does not show up great on Kindle, ordering the paperback is recommended.
SQL in 10 Minutes Sams Teach Yourself (4th Edition)
"Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes" is a great beginners book. It is designed for people with very little to no programming experience and no understanding of SQL. Again, the paperback version is recommended over the Kindle version. There are many notes, hints, and further explanations throughout the book to help new programmers ease into the language.
Of the five books, the last two are the best for absolute beginners. The first three are great for people that have experience with the language or are adept in other programming languages. Learning SQL doesn't have to be hard. You just need to find the right book or teacher.
