Essential SQL fast provides a comprehensive guide to SQL, using the Windows-based version of MySQL. MySQL is a freely available, multi-platform database management system, making it ideal for learning the techniques and concepts of database design. Using numerous worked examples and illustrations, Matthew Norman describes how to set up the database management system MySQL. In doing so he covers various topics, including: installing and testing MySQL; using the graphical tools; database design techniques and concepts; retrieving, changing and deleting data; and how to make other products communicate with MySQL.