learning sql for non-designers

[iphetamine]

I'm not a web designer/developer but a pharmacist and would be working with databases. I worked with the very basics of mysql and php, but I really want to be good at SQL without needing to get a certificate or a degree in it. I read eslewhere that it's better to start off with mysql and then move on to sql. What do you guys think and how should I approach the SQL world?? I really want to get serious with that stuff....move on to Oracle or something  .

[Mchl]

You can't start with mySQL and move to SQL.

 

SQL is a language with which data can be described, and databases can be queried

mySQL is a database managment system, that implements SQL

[iphetamine]

So I need to start learning SQL fresh. What would you recommend? Should I follow tutorials or start from the very beginning?

Should I go for books (most likely ebooks) or online courses/lessons?

[Mchl]

I'd say, install Wampserver (if you're on Windows).

 

There's Apache, MySQL and PHP in it, so you can start experimenting on your own. Also there's phpMyAdmin tool bundled, that's useful for toying with MySQL.

 

Most tutorials you'll find on the internet will be for PHP+MySQL duo.

 

Then try to find some beginners tutorial for MySQL. Learn how to make queries. What datatypes are available, and how to use them (that's something people often neglect)

 

Don't worry that you're learning MySQL and not SQL... because you actually do. 99% of what you learn with MySQL will work on other SQL engines.

Besides, MySQL is very popular, so it's not like you're investing your time into some niche product.

 

A book on PHP+MySQL will come in handy I suppose. O'Reilly seems to be doing fine books. Just make sure its on PHP5 and MySQL 5.x. Why learn obsolete versions (or almost obsolete )

[iphetamine]

I already have WAMP installed and used PHP and MySQL before. I used online tutorials but not books to follow schematic steps, does that mean I'm on the right track?

 

Can I later advance to major SQL apps? Is it possible to sit for an exam and be certified?

[Mchl]

You can always advance.

Basics of SQL are the same everywhere, so there's no real difference where you learn them. SELECT * FROM `table` WHERE `ID` = 1 works the same everywhere. The differences are mostly in more advanced functions.

 

MySQL is convieniet for beginning because there's an ocean of learning material.

 

As for so called 'major SQL apps', you mean Oracle and such? I think MySQL is pretty major The fact that it's free doesn't make it weak.

 

You'd probably need to take some course, before you try to take an exam. I suspect that to get certified you need much more knowledge, that is needed for just everyday use.

[iphetamine]

But I don't need to know much PHP unless I'm building sites everyday, correct?

[Mchl]

Correct.

[iphetamine]

But what I don't understand is how can I USE sql, other than typing functions in console (cmd) to create a table.

[Mchl]

By creating some application that connects to database.

[iphetamine]

Any tutorials that would let me learn SQL lesson by lesson, i.e. lesson/day to make things easier for me and to accommodate with my time and college work?? 

[RichardRotterdam]

here is one for you.

 

http://www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp

 

the basic things you want to start with are most likely to be

1. select

2. update

3. insert

4. delete

5. the where clause

[iphetamine]

oh...i hate that site

 

thnx anyway

[iphetamine]

How's that book guys, should i start with it?

http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-SQL-Queries-Novice-Professional/dp/1590599438

[fenway]

Lots of resources available on the stickies.