Some Useful Database Links.

I thought I would take a moment to point the users here to some of the database resources available for reference and learning.

First I will start with actually designing the database. This site by R937 covers the basics of database design. The author is professional database guru and a frequent helper at the at DB forums listed below.

The Library of Free Data Models is an excellent resource for finding data models for projects you may have or as examples of well put together data models. With around 500 data models the chances are you find something at least close to what you may need.

Additionally I like This article on Database Design Mistakes.

On to the next step looking at some SQL help. As a side note I find it interesting, to say nothing of a bit telling, that it is easier to find SQL information than it is data modeling help. This is especially interesting given that SQL is designed around the principle of good DB design. I can not begin to tel you how many times I have people unable to make thier query work the way they needed because the the data model was goofy. So be certain you have a good design.

Please note that there are differnt "flavors" of SQL from various relational database management system (RDBMS) vendors. However, any RDBMS worth using accept standard SQL commands with out a problem.

W3 Schools is always a great place to look for any information or tutorial you need that anything to do with web technologies. Given that W3 schools is ran by the W3C you can oretty much consider data there to be cannon concerning web standards.

SQL Zoo has their "Gentle introduction to SQL" which, in truth, I can not recommend enough. IF you know nothing about SQL or simply want to learn more this is a great web site to visit. It features the ability to actually write and execute SQL queries on the website and see some of the differences between SQL implementations.

Need more SQL information? This site covers a lot of SQL syntax as well as offering tutorials on basic SQL and some more advanced SQL features such as sub queries.

Whith a name like SQL Course you probably have a good idea what to expect here.

Where to go when you need help! DB forums simply rocks. The people there are amazingly smart database professionals to say nothing of very helpful. There is one caveat. The people there will always help, they will not always simply do your thinking for you. Many of the users will point and guide in the right direction to let the person asking learn the answer instead of having of spoon fed to them. Also, if you have school work questions you want answered you will never be given a straight answer.

Hope some of these links help. I am not associated with any of these sites in any way (other than being a poster at dbforums) but, used these sites in the past. I hope they help you.

 

 

 

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You have some nice links up there. You may want to add a link or to about installing MySQL but other then that this is a pretty good informational post. Personally I found MySQL fairly easy to learn because it is just English with syntax (I’m not sure of SQL is the same). I like the idea of DB forums because you don't need to go step by step just to tell someone something simple. But it sound like it is only for people that already have basic knowledge of SQL (because they guild you rather then telling you).

Thanks,
Sparkx

Side Notes: You may want to fix your title, at the moment it says "Databse".

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Thanks Darasen for the links, there are very useful, the first one is a must because it covers all the fundamental database theory in a very simple way that everybody would undestand and follow, also, this site under it's sql links section contains a lot of other useful links.

Another good one is The Library of Free Data Models, it helps me some time ago to develop a database for one of my clients.

sparkx at the MySql.com website you can find all information needed to correctly install it, but honestly, if you will install it on a windows machine you even don't need to visit the site, because the installation procedure of it is extremely easy.

Best regards,

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Hey, I'd say that's pretty good advice.

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I went into edit but did not see where I could edit the title. My pinky finger does not always respond like I want it to hence, the missing A. Thanks Carpal!

I did not put anything about installing MySQL or any specific RDBMS intentionally.



Sparkx, it sounds like you have SQL and RDBMS's a bit confused. SQL is an acronym for Structured Query Language. It is the language used to form queries to run on a database. SQL holds no data it simply is a means of defining data and manipulating data from a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS).

The RDBMS is the engine that actually holds the data and its relationships. MySQL is is an RDBMS, as is MS-SQL Server. Personally, I think there be a punishment for putting SQL in the name of a RDMS product. I have been to interviews where alleged professionals IT managers do not know the difference between SQL ans SQL server.

 

 

 

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No problem, I added the missing A.
Yordan

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Those links are very nice ones, Darasen. I especially like the first three (the first one being most important), because they cover aspects that are extremely practical once you start working with databases. The second one is a nice reference if you happen to be teeter-tottering on the design of a database. You could consult the second one for some pointers, I guess.

In fact, I think some of the "gentle introductions to SQL" tend to miss the important aspects of relational database design. This then causes the person to mess up and create a poorly designed database. I've found that a lot of people don't take advantage (or understand) the actual "relational" part of relational databases because they stick to reading the simplified tutorials that neglect to explain the most important part of a RDB.

Hmm, I wouldn't say there's anything wrong with putting SQL in the product's name---the whole purpose of the product is to point out what it uses and does, and calling it blah-blah-blah-SQL is a descriptive way of summing things up. If someone gave it a random name, it may well be pointless.

At the same time, I will agree that SQL as syntax is very easy to learn--it is very similar to spoken English, except that it has a slightly modified style.


Well, installation isn't as bad as you think. The MySQL site is pretty clear at explaining how to install things, so if you follow the directions there, you should be fine. Moreover, if you wanted to simplify the process even more, you could just install WAMP (if you're on a windows machine), and that would take care of Apache, PHP, MySQL and PostgreSQL all for you. Quite nice, if you want it that way.

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Not meaning to be critical, but this statement is not correct:


The w3schools.com site is independent of the w3c. And is a fairly good site with lots of Beginner's tutorials and some advanced users in its Forums.

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