SQL for stupid people

[robc]

Hello one and all, I could use some advice.
I have been told by my boss to get off my behind and learn some SQL, but I am a total newbie at all this computer lark, so I wanted to know where ws the best place to go for informtion/tutorials etc.
If anyone could help I would be very greatful, and no-doubt so would my boss!
Thanks,
Rob C.

[big_wreck]

http://www.webmasterbase.com has a good article on PHP/mySQL.

Of course there's http://www.mysql.com

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perhaps this should get moved to a diff forum?

[Edited by big_wreck on 08-15-2000 at 06:30 AM]

[robc]

Thanks...and sorry again for the wrong post!

[Arielladog]

You also might want to check out http://www.webmonkey.com

I am going to move this thread to the PHP/ASP forum.

Adog :cool:

[gzazJim]

Hi folks,

SQL is a bear to handle - there are SO many variations that there's really not one book or website in particular that can handle all the various permutations. That being said, I would first ask you, robc, what your experience with database design is?

SQL is only as good as the database allows it to be. It can be a royal pain in the @$$ to learn if you don't have some knowledge of the databases that you're trying to cull information from.

One of the best books I've found on Database design, and a good primer for SQL is "Database Systems - A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and Management" Second Edition by Thomas Connolly, Caroly Begg and Anne Strachan. It's an older book (1998 is **** near ANCIENT in the computer world!), but it still has some worthwhile information on how to effectively set up and access databases.

The sites that Arielladog mentioned are excellent resources as well. My advice is to take things slowly. Learn as much as you can about both the language of SQL, and learn as much about the databases as possible before you begin to use SQL to modify and/or view data from them.

Robc, whatever you do, don't immediately try any SQL on an important, convoluted database. What I'd suggest is to create a small database (perhaps 1 table with 5 to 7 recordsets), and begin to work your SQL knowledge from there.

If you're using Microsoft Access (which is a good place to start), try out the "Simple Query Wizard." It will give you something that works, and will create some code for you to look at.

Sorry for the long-windedness, but in this case I believe it's warranted. SQL is not an easy language, but then again, neither is English! Good Luck to you robc!

Jim

[Edited by gzazJim on 08-15-2000 at 10:36 AM]