8 Best-Selling Stored Procedures Books Millions Love

Discover authoritative Stored Procedures books written by leading experts like Mike Faust, Guy Harrison, and others—these best-selling titles offer proven approaches to mastering database procedures.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in a niche like Stored Procedures where practical expertise matters most. Stored procedures remain a cornerstone of efficient database management and application performance, making these books invaluable for developers and DBAs aiming to deepen their skills and streamline workflows.

The authors behind these works bring decades of experience from diverse environments—from Mike Faust’s deep dive into iSeries SQL automation to Guy Harrison’s extensive background in MySQL and Oracle training. Their books have become benchmarks in the field, combining clear explanations with actionable examples that reflect real-world challenges.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Stored Procedures needs might consider creating a personalized Stored Procedures book that combines these validated approaches into a unique learning path designed just for you.

Best for iSeries SQL programmers
Mike Faust is a former network administrator, software developer, and MIS manager who brings hands-on expertise to this book. Living in Sanford, Florida, he crafted this guide to help i5/iSeries programmers unlock the power of SQL built-in functions and stored procedures, sharing practical code examples and techniques drawn from his extensive experience in the field.
2005·176 pages·Stored Procedures, SQL, Programming, Automation, Built-In Functions

The breakthrough moment came when Mike Faust, leveraging his extensive background as a network administrator and MIS manager, distilled his deep knowledge into this guide focused on SQL built-in functions and stored procedures specific to the i5/iSeries environment. You’ll find clear explanations on how to harness these often overlooked tools to automate and enhance your SQL programming, such as using built-in functions to format numeric values and creating stored procedures for complex dataset processing. The book also includes practical examples, like a stored procedure for pivot tables, which help translate concepts into usable code. This is a useful resource if you’re an iSeries programmer seeking to deepen your SQL capabilities and improve productivity through automation.

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Best for MySQL developers enhancing procedures
Guy Harrison has worked with databases for more than a decade, conducting numerous MySQL and Oracle training seminars and authoring several books on Oracle. His extensive hands-on experience and teaching background uniquely qualify him to guide you through the complexities of MySQL stored procedure programming. This book reflects his deep understanding of database internals and practical challenges, making it a valuable resource for developers aiming to master procedural coding within MySQL environments.
MySql Stored Procedure Programming book cover

by Guy Harrison, Steven Feuerstein··You?

2006·609 pages·Stored Procedures, MySQL, Databases, SQL Programming, Database Optimization

Guy Harrison brings over a decade of database expertise, including extensive MySQL and Oracle training, to this detailed guide on MySQL stored procedures. The book dives into the implementation nuances of stored procedures in MySQL 5.0, covering everything from syntax and control structures to debugging techniques. You’ll gain a solid grasp of how to write efficient, modular code within the database itself, which can streamline application logic and improve performance. This resource suits developers and DBAs seeking to deepen their understanding of MySQL’s procedural capabilities rather than beginners looking for a general overview.

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Best for custom automation plans
This AI-created book on stored procedure automation is crafted based on your background and specific goals in database development. You share what areas of procedure automation and optimization interest you most, and the book focuses on those topics with examples and explanations suited to your level. Personalizing the content this way makes tackling complex database automation techniques clearer and more relevant, helping you gain practical skills faster.
2025·50-300 pages·Stored Procedures, Database Automation, Performance Tuning, Error Handling, Modular Design

This tailored book explores advanced techniques for mastering stored procedure automation and optimization, focusing on your specific interests and background. It reveals how to streamline database processes by automating repetitive tasks and fine-tuning procedural code for peak efficiency. By matching content to your individual goals, it covers essential concepts such as performance tuning, error handling, and modular design, enabling a deep understanding of how stored procedures enhance database workflows. This personalized exploration encourages practical learning through examples and insights that resonate with your experience level, making complex optimization accessible and relevant.

Tailored Guide
Performance Tuning
1,000+ Happy Readers
Dejan Šunderić, MCDBA and principal consultant at Trigon Blue, Inc., brings his extensive experience as president of the Toronto SQL Server User Group to this authoritative guide on SQL Server 2005 stored procedure programming. His background in database and application development ensures the book addresses the practical challenges developers face, offering detailed instruction on both Transact-SQL and .NET CLR methods. This makes the book a trusted resource for those aiming to enhance their expertise in SQL Server stored procedures.
2006·664 pages·Stored Procedures, Microsoft SQL Server, T-SQL, .NET CLR, Database Performance

When Dejan Šunderić, a principal consultant and president of the Toronto SQL Server User Group, wrote this book, he brought deep expertise in database and application development on SQL Server. You learn to master stored procedure programming using both Transact-SQL and .NET CLR languages, including creating user-defined procedures, managing transactions, and integrating with client or middleware code. Chapters cover advanced topics like debugging, error handling, security, and source code management, which are essential for efficient database performance. This book suits SQL Server developers seeking to deepen their stored procedure skills and leverage the full power of SQL Server 2005's capabilities.

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Best for legacy SQL Server developers
Dejan Sunderic, MCSD and Principal Consultant at Sage Information Consultants, brings his extensive expertise in development and infrastructure solutions to this book. His hands-on experience with diverse corporate and startup environments informs a practical approach to SQL Server 2000 stored procedure programming. This guide reflects his deep understanding of the platform’s capabilities and challenges, making it a valuable resource for developers seeking to optimize their database applications.
2000·732 pages·Stored Procedures, Databases, SQL Server, Performance Optimization, Transaction Management

What started as Dejan Sunderic's deep engagement with SQL Server's capabilities evolved into this detailed manual on stored procedure programming. You gain practical insight into crafting stored procedures to perform complex data operations efficiently, boosting application performance. The book guides you through optimizing query execution and managing transactions, making it invaluable if you work with SQL Server 2000 or maintain legacy systems. While some chapters delve into advanced topics like error handling and dynamic SQL, it's best suited for developers already familiar with SQL basics wanting to deepen their procedural skills.

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Best for Oracle PL/SQL beginners
Bill Pribyl is the primary author of Learning Oracle PL/SQL and has consulted extensively on Oracle products. His deep experience with Oracle development shaped this book into a focused resource designed to help you grasp the essentials of PL/SQL programming quickly. Pribyl’s practical approach reflects his commitment to making Oracle’s procedural language accessible and useful for a broad audience, from beginners to those switching from other database systems.
Learning Oracle PL/SQL: Oracle Development Languages book cover

by Bill Pribyl, Steven Feuerstein··You?

2001·424 pages·Stored Procedures, PLSQL, Oracle Database, PL/SQL, Programming

When Bill Pribyl realized how overwhelming Oracle's procedural language documentation could be for newcomers, he set out to create a clear, focused guide to PL/SQL. This book walks you through essential language constructs like loops, conditional statements, and transactional control, while showing how to build and reuse stored procedures, functions, and packages effectively. You’ll also explore integrating PL/SQL with web applications and securing your code against attacks, all without getting lost in excessively technical jargon. It’s a smart choice if you’re starting fresh with Oracle development or transitioning from other database systems and want a solid, practical foundation.

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Best for rapid skill acceleration
This AI-created book on stored procedures is written based on your coding background and current skill level. You share which aspects of stored procedures you want to focus on—like coding or debugging—and your specific goals. The book is then created to match exactly what you need to learn, making your path to proficiency more direct and engaging. This tailored approach helps you concentrate on what matters most for your development.
2025·50-300 pages·Stored Procedures, SQL Programming, Debugging Techniques, Performance Tuning, Transaction Management

This tailored book provides a focused learning journey for rapidly mastering stored procedure coding and debugging within 30 days. It explores core concepts and practical techniques tailored to your background and skill level, offering a clear path to build confidence in writing efficient, reliable stored procedures. By aligning content with your interests and goals, it reveals essential practices and common pitfalls to avoid, ensuring your learning is relevant and effective. The book examines debugging tools and strategies that enhance your ability to troubleshoot code swiftly, making complex tasks approachable through personalized guidance. This tailored resource matches your pace and objectives, supporting a deep and practical understanding of stored procedures.

Tailored Guide
Debugging Mastery
1,000+ Happy Readers
Ken Henderson is a nationally recognized consultant and leading DBMS practitioner with extensive experience in high-end client/server projects. He has authored multiple books on client/server and DBMS development and frequently contributes to technical magazines. His expertise and hands-on background inform this book, offering you insights drawn from real-world challenges and solutions in SQL Server development.
2001·800 pages·Stored Procedures, Database Design, Transact-SQL, XML Integration, Performance Optimization

Ken Henderson challenges the conventional wisdom that stored procedure programming must be limited by exploring advanced Transact-SQL techniques and overlooked features like extended procedures, XML, and even adding array support. You’ll find a methodical approach that blends theory with practical code examples, gradually advancing from basic stored procedures to complex applications, including performance optimizations. Chapters delve into database design nuances and proprietary code that accelerates query execution, making this book a deep dive into SQL Server's capabilities. If you’re aiming to build robust, scalable database applications and want to push beyond standard T-SQL usage, this book will expand your toolkit and your understanding.

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Best for newcomers to Oracle procedures
Djoni Darmawikarta built his IT career during his years at IBM worldwide and later as a senior data analyst at Travelers Canada insurance. His deep experience in enterprise IT environments inspired him to write this book, aimed at making Oracle stored programs accessible for beginners. By sharing his practical knowledge, he offers you a straightforward path to mastering PL/SQL procedures and functions that can be applied directly in your work.
2014·168 pages·Stored Procedures, PL/SQL, Database Programming, Procedure Writing, Function Creation

While working as a senior data analyst across global IT environments, Djoni Darmawikarta developed this book to demystify Oracle stored programs for those new to PL/SQL. You gain hands-on experience crafting procedures and functions that become reusable database objects, unlocking a powerful way to streamline database operations. The book uses clear examples to build your confidence compiling and deploying code, making it ideal if you want to write efficient, maintainable stored programs. Its focus on practical skill-building means you’ll understand how to integrate these programs within larger applications, even if you're just starting out.

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Best for practical SQL Server solutions
Robin Dewson has been working with SQL Server since version 6.5 and Visual Basic since version 5. He is a consultant in London with nearly eight years of experience, bringing deep practical knowledge to this book. His expertise drives the practical focus on solving developer challenges with stored procedures, making this guide particularly valuable for those wanting to refine their skills and build faster, more reliable database programs.
SQL Server 2000 Stored Procedures Handbook (Expert's Voice) book cover

by Robin Dewson, Louis Davidson, Tony Bain, Chuck Hawkins, Louise Davidson··You?

2003·296 pages·Stored Procedures, Microsoft SQL Server, SQL Server, Databases, Software Development

What happens when a seasoned SQL Server consultant turns his focus to stored procedures? Robin Dewson, with nearly eight years in SQL Server and Visual Basic, offers a pragmatic guide to writing efficient, robust stored procedures. You learn how to tackle common developer pitfalls, optimize performance, and handle complex data operations with practical examples, including problem-solving techniques for real-world scenarios. This book benefits developers aiming to deepen their mastery of SQL Server's procedural capabilities and build faster, more reliable database applications. Chapters dissect typical challenges and solutions, making it a solid reference for anyone serious about stored procedure development.

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Conclusion

These eight books collectively highlight two clear themes: the value of mastering foundational stored procedure techniques and the importance of adapting to specific database platforms like SQL Server, Oracle, and MySQL. Their widespread adoption speaks to their practical impact and enduring relevance.

If you prefer proven methods, start with Mike Faust’s guide for iSeries or Guy Harrison’s MySQL programming. For validated approaches focused on SQL Server, Dejan Šunderić’s and Ken Henderson’s books provide deep dives into advanced procedural coding. Pairing these reads can give you a well-rounded skill set.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Stored Procedures book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in optimizing and automating their database applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with a book that matches your database platform. For Oracle, 'Learning Oracle PL/SQL' or 'Oracle Stored Programs for Beginners' are great. For SQL Server, try Dejan Šunderić’s or Robin Dewson’s guides. Matching your system ensures you get relevant examples and faster learning.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Stored Procedures?

Not all. Books like 'Oracle Stored Programs for Beginners' and 'Learning Oracle PL/SQL' cater to newcomers, offering clear, foundational instruction. More advanced books build on these basics, so starting with beginner-friendly titles is a smart approach.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with a platform-specific beginner’s book to grasp fundamentals, then progress to advanced titles covering optimization and integration, such as Ken Henderson’s or Dejan Šunderić’s works for SQL Server. This sequence builds skills logically.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your needs. If you work exclusively with one database, choose the relevant book. However, exploring multiple perspectives can deepen understanding, especially if you handle cross-platform environments or want broader expertise.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Most focus on practical application with real-world examples, but 'Guru's Guide to SQL Server Stored Procedures, XML, and HTML' explores deeper theory alongside hands-on techniques, offering a balance for readers seeking both.

How can I get a book tailored specifically to my Stored Procedures needs?

Great question! While these expert books offer solid foundations, tailoring content to your experience and goals can boost learning efficiency. You can create a personalized Stored Procedures book that combines proven methods with your unique challenges and objectives, making your study focused and relevant.

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