Best Desktop Database Books of 2025

Designing Data-Intensive Applications is a comprehensive guide to navigating the diverse landscape of data processing and storage technologies. The author, Martin Kleppmann, helps software engineers and architects make informed decisions by examining the strengths and weaknesses of various tools. He also provides insights into the distributed systems research that modern databases are built upon. With practical examples and case studies, this book is a valuable resource for anyone dealing with the challenges of scalability, consistency, reliability, efficiency, and maintainability in data-intensive applications. Overall, this book is a great addition to any data modeling and design bookshelf.

Fundamentals of Data Engineering: Plan and Build Robust Data Systems is a practical guide for software engineers, data scientists, and analysts seeking a comprehensive view of data engineering. The authors, Joe Reis and Matt Housley, walk readers through the data engineering lifecycle, providing an end-to-end framework of best practices for designing and building a robust architecture. Readers will also learn how to evaluate the best technologies available and incorporate data governance and security across the data engineering lifecycle. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the rapidly-growing field of data engineering.

This book, titled "Excel 2023: The Most Exhaustive Guide to Master Excel Formulas & Functions," is a complete and easy-to-follow guide for anyone who wants to master Excel from scratch. It includes step-by-step illustrated instructions, practical examples, and tips & tricks to help readers become Excel pros quickly. The book covers everything from basic operations to advanced functions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. The author also provides three bonus resources, including two eBooks on productivity and time management and a collection of Excel templates and spreadsheets. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their Excel skills.

SQL All-in-One For Dummies is a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to learn about SQL and SQL-based relational databases. It covers everything from designing and developing databases to querying SQL-based databases in the SQL language. With the latest updates and capabilities, this book is a timely update to the popular reference for database administrators, programmers, and those who manage these functions. It also includes information on SQL with XML, data security, and database tuning overview. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for beginners and experts alike.

The "SQL: 3 books in 1" bundle is a comprehensive guide that covers beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels of SQL programming. The book is ideal for anyone looking to improve their programming skills, manage data or gain a deeper understanding of our data-driven future. The guide is designed to make learning SQL simple with an easy-to-follow approach that builds on each chapter. The book is not just a theoretical guide, but also offers practical experience with interactive exercises. Overall, this bundle is an excellent resource for those looking to master SQL programming quickly and easily.

The "Data Pipelines Pocket Reference" is a must-read for data professionals who want to learn about the foundations of data pipelines and how they work in modern data stacks. The book covers common considerations and decision points, such as batch versus streaming data ingestion and build versus buy. It also discusses the tools and products used by data engineers to build pipelines and how they support analytics and reporting needs. The author, James, draws on his extensive experience leading data teams and building data infrastructure to provide readers with valuable insights. Overall, this book is an excellent resource that covers foundational concepts and applies to open source frameworks, commercial products, and homegrown solutions.

The Access 2019 Bible is a comprehensive reference book for Microsoft Access database management tool. From beginners to advanced users, this book provides clear guidance on creating custom database solutions perfectly suited for one's needs. The book covers everything from database fundamentals and terminology to XML and web services. Additionally, the companion website features examples and databases used in the book, trial software, and a special offer from Database Creations. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to harness the power of Microsoft Access.

Database Internals: A Deep Dive into How Distributed Data Systems Work by Alex Petrov is a practical guide that helps developers understand the concepts behind modern database and storage engine internals. Petrov explores relevant material gleaned from numerous books, papers, blog posts, and the source code of several open source databases. The book examines storage engines, storage building blocks, distributed systems, and database clusters. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for developers who want to gain a deep understanding of how modern databases work.

Access For Dummies is an accessible and easy-to-follow guide for anyone who wants to become a database boss. The book covers the latest version of Microsoft's Access software and teaches readers how to build, populate, and organize their own databases. It includes basic training on how to navigate the Access workspace and explores the foundations of databases. The book also covers more advanced tutorials on data management, queries, and reporting. It's the perfect resource for anyone who needs to understand, use, or administer Access databases at the workplace or classroom. Overall, Access For Dummies is a valuable resource for both beginners and advanced users.

Practical Tableau: 100 Tips, Tutorials, and Strategies from a Tableau Zen Master is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to improve their Tableau skills. The author, Ryan Sleeper, offers valuable insights and strategies to help readers build compelling data visualization applications. The book covers the fundamentals of Tableau, chart types, tips and tricks, the INSIGHT framework, and storytelling with data. Sleeper's expertise as a Tableau Zen Master, Tableau Public Visualization of the Year author, and Tableau Iron Viz Champion shines through in this practical guide. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to take their Tableau knowledge to the next level.