Do the best to learn about Database / System Design from nothing!
- Start with "Database System Concepts" by Silberschatz, Galvin & Sudarshan
- The gold standard textbook that covers everything from relational theory to advanced topics
- Goes deep into the "why" behind design decisions, not just the "how"
- Following with "Designing Data-Intensive Applications" by Martin Kleppmann
- Bridges database theory with real-world distributed systems
- Essential for understanding modern data challenges you'll face as a data engineer
- "SQL Antipatterns" by Bill Karwin
- Teaches you what NOT to do through common mistakes
- Invaluable for avoiding pitfalls in real projects
- System design
- Foundation: "Designing Data-Intensive Applications" (yes, it covers both!)
- Best single book for understanding how large-scale systems actually work
- Perfect bridge between your web dev background and system design
- Architecture patterns: "Building Microservices" by Sam Newman
- Since you're coming from web dev, this connects familiar concepts to distributed systems
- Shows how to think about system boundaries and data flow
- Scalability deep-dive: "Scalability Rules" by Abbott & Fisher
- Practical rules for scaling systems
- Great reference as you grow into data engineering