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The Manga Guide to Databases
Want to learn about databases without the tedium? With its unique combination of Japanese-style comics and serious educational content, The Manga Guide to Databases is just the book for you.
Princess Ruruna is stressed out. With the king and queen away, she has to manage the Kingdom of Kod's humongous fruit-selling empire. Overseas departments, scads of inventory, conflicti ...more
Princess Ruruna is stressed out. With the king and queen away, she has to manage the Kingdom of Kod's humongous fruit-selling empire. Overseas departments, scads of inventory, conflicti ...more
Paperback, 224 pages
Published
February 4th 2009
by No Starch Press
(first published January 1st 2005)
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(showing 1-30 of 545)
Intrigue, jealousy, romance, and structured query language...
It actually works, and as a broad introduction to databases, I found that I learned and retained quite a bit of the material presented. Chapters present the basic information in Manga format, then expand on the material in more detail with helpful diagrams, tables, and examples of queries, etc.
I still do not understand the stylistic format of Manga. Overly exaggerated and extremely literal comic characters, emotions, and actions do not ...more
It actually works, and as a broad introduction to databases, I found that I learned and retained quite a bit of the material presented. Chapters present the basic information in Manga format, then expand on the material in more detail with helpful diagrams, tables, and examples of queries, etc.
I still do not understand the stylistic format of Manga. Overly exaggerated and extremely literal comic characters, emotions, and actions do not ...more
I'm well-versed in databases, but this manga impressed me with its broad introduction into the stuff. Although I wonder to what extent a little kid could crawl through all the text, ironically a college student would look down on it for havint too little text.
But make no mistake: this could be a revolutionary learning tool in the right hands. If it takes 15 weeks with a textbook to learn about databases, consider what could happen if this book could teach the concepts in a single week!
I must fin ...more
But make no mistake: this could be a revolutionary learning tool in the right hands. If it takes 15 weeks with a textbook to learn about databases, consider what could happen if this book could teach the concepts in a single week!
I must fin ...more
Rarely would I call a book on a technical topic as enjoyable. This is one of those rare books and it does a fantastic job of introducing you to the main topics of databases with swift brevity. It packages such an introduction in a cute story. When would you read about a princess story and a love story in a programming book? Plus, the book tests you on your newfound knowledge. If you are a technical writer considering to write some introductory text, you could learn a thing or two from the writin
...more
A database fairy explains SQL to a princess. Actually a very good introduction to databases if you can get past the hyper-cuteness of it all.
This book was recommended to me as attempt to do technical writing in comic form. I would not choose this as a paragon example. The story of the princess of the fruit kingdom, Cod, finding a database fairy looked in a book was a little too sweet to be palatable. Nevermind the attempt at adding a love triangle between the princess, the servant, and prince with a high opinion of himself. It was rather cliche.
As for the technical content. I found the book quite useful. However, the book followed tw ...more
As for the technical content. I found the book quite useful. However, the book followed tw ...more
Such a fun book. I read it over the weekend for work to get more familiar with databases. I already knew most the basics, so it served as more of a refresher mini course / boost to my knowledge confidence.
It covers the general ideas of the components of a database in manga form, then goes into detail at the end of the chapter, with problem sets. The details can get very in-depth, so more novice readers may choose to skip some of it.
The manga plot is a bit lacking, for obvious reasons, but this q ...more
It covers the general ideas of the components of a database in manga form, then goes into detail at the end of the chapter, with problem sets. The details can get very in-depth, so more novice readers may choose to skip some of it.
The manga plot is a bit lacking, for obvious reasons, but this q ...more
I’m already a fan of "The Manga Guide to” series, so I figured that “The Manga Guide to Databases” and their take databases would be in the same vein as their other titles (an accompanying storyline, an emphasis on practical topic coverage, and an emphasis on “kawaii”).
To meet that end, we are introduced to Princess Raruna, heir apparent to the Kingdom of Cod. We also meet her attendant, Cain, and a fairy named Tico that teaches them about databases… and anyone familiar with Manga has not batte ...more
To meet that end, we are introduced to Princess Raruna, heir apparent to the Kingdom of Cod. We also meet her attendant, Cain, and a fairy named Tico that teaches them about databases… and anyone familiar with Manga has not batte ...more
Mana Takahashi, The Manga Guide to Databases (No Starch Press, 2004)
No Starch Press, one of the great repositories of Linux knowledge in America, bills itself as “the finest in geek entertainment.” True, that, and they have outdone themselves in this regard by importing, translating, and publishing Ohmsha Press' edumanga series of books. I've been intrigued by these for a few years, and I figured the best place to start would be with one where I'm conversant with the material; that way I could m ...more
No Starch Press, one of the great repositories of Linux knowledge in America, bills itself as “the finest in geek entertainment.” True, that, and they have outdone themselves in this regard by importing, translating, and publishing Ohmsha Press' edumanga series of books. I've been intrigued by these for a few years, and I figured the best place to start would be with one where I'm conversant with the material; that way I could m ...more
This might be the most useful and easy to follow guide to databases and SQL that I have run across in the past month. If you love coding and manga, you owe yourself a copy of this book. I got this from my library but I am pretty sure I'll end up buying my own copy before the years is done. It's a fun, valuable lesson in coding and database creation and cute to boot. I think I'll also be looking at more books in the 'Manga Guide' series, too.
I ended up reading this for my Database Design class, since I was told by someone who's taken it previously that it ended up being more useful than some of the assigned readings. It was, although I ran into the same problem I tend to run into with the other books in this series - I end up forgetting I'm supposed to be learning things and/or get caught up in the art and have to go back and re-read pages or sections.
That said, if you are trying to be figure out databases, this is a useful book for ...more
That said, if you are trying to be figure out databases, this is a useful book for ...more
I'm not a big manga fan but I was curious to see what sort of foundations of databases this book offered. The book is divided into chapters: "What is a Database?", "What is a Relational Database?", "Let's Design a Database", "Let's Learn About SQL", "Let's Operate a Database", "Databases are Everywhere". Each chapter starts with the story portion done in manga form, followed by textbook-style educational material, which goes into more depth than the story part.
To tell the truth I wasn't expectin ...more
To tell the truth I wasn't expectin ...more
I'm not going to say that I'm an expert on databases now, but I really like the visual instruction style of the manga guide series. This one tells the story of a princess in charge of her kingdom's fruit selling who finds a fairy who knows all about databases to help her.
I think the best part was about why you shouldn't just put all your data in one spreadsheet (my usual approach to data management). Basically if you have to repeat information anywhere, you need another spreadsheet. You want to ...more
I think the best part was about why you shouldn't just put all your data in one spreadsheet (my usual approach to data management). Basically if you have to repeat information anywhere, you need another spreadsheet. You want to ...more
A book that finally helped break through some hang-ups I had about setting up my own database. If you need a way to sneak some database knowledge into your brain and you're into manga-type stories, it was a nice information delivery system.
It's extremely basic, with very little detail. I wouldn't recommend it as a first book on databases, but instead I would recommend it as a joke or as a refreshment on some terms and concepts.
It was a cute read and a nice refresher for me with regards to databases. Fun for the anime / manga fan.
clear explanation of database, but it's just describe rdbms, perhaps maybe in the future includes nosql too..
This is a good book for someone new to web development looking to buff up their computer science knowledge. It's fun and bouncy and easy to chew through. My only complain is that the manga translations seem a little too literal. For instance, a sound effect says "giggling" instead of "giggle." This book would have benefitted from having that portion gone over by a seasoned comics editor. They're available for hire, and I hope the publisher will consider it in the future. A more natural reading o
...more
I learn something. Good but not awesome.
Fun intro to Databases and SQL
Among the Pace Bus patrons today, I must have looked the most pervy because I was reading this. Okay, so this packages a riduculous, ridculously cool and silly, manga comic book, with the serious minded basics of databases.
It's all a bit silly, and I can't say a learned a ton. but I thought the juxtaposition was interesting and fun, and brings a level of entertainment to the content. If there was more content, i'd be an even bigger fan.
It's all a bit silly, and I can't say a learned a ton. but I thought the juxtaposition was interesting and fun, and brings a level of entertainment to the content. If there was more content, i'd be an even bigger fan.
An excellent introduction to databases in a traditional (more or less) Manga format. This is one of a series of book which have been translated to English and published in the US and Canada by O'Reilly. Statistics, Physics, Calculus, etc. are all covered.
The fact that these are popular enough in Japan to a) be published and b) be translated for export may be one sign why the Asia is kicking the US's arse at technical literacy.
The fact that these are popular enough in Japan to a) be published and b) be translated for export may be one sign why the Asia is kicking the US's arse at technical literacy.
Just had to check this out to see what this series is like. This offered a really good primer on database principles. I don't like manga so I can't say that helped my experience any. If you are someone that liked manga I suppose it would help. There are still sections that are just blocks of text with diagrams. I also had the experience of event horizon of data overload that often happens with tech manuals.
Good book to explain basics to youngsters
have you ever sat down to learn about databases, then thought, "This would be so much better if it were taught by a princess and a fairy?" then this is the book for you!!! Ok, in all seriousness, I think this provides a really good overview of databases and it's way more fun to read than a "for dummies" guide
May 14, 2010
Rebecca
marked it as to-read
Saw this series in a catalog, and now that we've purchased it, I'm intrigued. Uses a manga format to explain academic topics. This one caught my eye because maybe this is another way that library "databases" are a misnomer (as compared to this topic: the relational databases built by computer scientists).
This book is a great introduction to relational databases including SQL and the building and structure along with security. I would recommend to anyone who wants a fun introduction to what us a database and what it can due for you including daily life.
promise to self: finish reading this before starting ANYTHING else. at least - for nonfiction - it has entertainment as well as practical value.
finished! like getting concepts with pictures although the manga part was kinda too cutsy.
finished! like getting concepts with pictures although the manga part was kinda too cutsy.
So far, it's a bit confusing after the first two (2) chapters. Also I don't like the setting for this book, it's not in real life like the other ones that I have read, it's in a fantasy setting- I don’t like that.
I really liked this book. In fact I wish I found this cute tutorial when I took my database class in my sophomore year. I highly recommend this book for those who young at heart and curious about database.
Pretty basic "Intro to Databases" content, but done in manga style with an amusing little story around it.
Definitely worth checking out, though, if you're new to databases and like manga :-P
Definitely worth checking out, though, if you're new to databases and like manga :-P
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