Wanting to learn SQL-Need advice

[I_let_the_smoke_out]

I am trying to teach myself SQL and would like some advice from those in the know. First, which is better to learn with, MySQL or SQL? I'm on a budget (a tight one). Second, where do I start? I have very little experience with databases and am not sure how to fire this off. I've bought some books, but without software, are they going to help me? Any help pointing me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. I'm mostly a hardware geek trying to broaden my horizons. TIA!

[monster]

Try Mysql.. goto http://www.oreilly.com/ and find a book on mysql then if you want it cheaper goto www.eBay.com or another book store.. I suggest learning C++ but do what you got to do. =)

[mairving]

C++ won't help you much at all with SQL. It is a good language to learn for other languages though like PHP, ASP, etc.

MySQL is an open-source (free) database server. It is a good way to learn SQL. SQL can vary from vendor to vendor but the concept is quite similar so MySQL is a good place to start. MySQL by itself really won't do much for you. You will need a scripting language to go with MySQL like PHP or Perl. I would always advise someone to learn SQL before they learn the scripting language since it helps you to develop good databases and construct clean queries.

[monster]

Originally posted by mairving C++ won't help you much at all with SQL. It is a good language to learn for other languages though like PHP, ASP, etc. MySQL is an open-source (free) database server. It is a good way to learn SQL. SQL can vary from vendor to vendor but the concept is quite similar so MySQL is a good place to start. MySQL by itself really won't do much for you. You will need a scripting language to go with MySQL like PHP or Perl. I would always advise someone to learn SQL before they learn the scripting language since it helps you to develop good databases and construct clean queries. [/B]

He said "broaden my horizons" so I suggested C++ =)

[mairving]

Originally posted by monster He said "broaden my horizons" so I suggested C++ =)

That is one way to broaden your horizons. My only point is that it wouldn't help much with SQL.

[I_let_the_smoke_out]

Thanks for the help, guys. The reason I mentioned SQL is for work. I want to start moving that direction. I apologize for not saying so. Again, thank you for the advice and keep it coming!

[doctorgonzo]

I learned my SQL starting on M$ Access and then moving to SQL Server. I have also done a little bit with MySQL once upon a time. The basic syntax is the same no matter where you go (a SELECT statement is a SELECT statement). You can do just about anything with the basic syntax, and then learn the vendor-specific syntax to tweak a few things. I don't think I use much that isn't standard in my databases, though. No need for it.

[batiso]

the are some free helpful tutorials on SQL on the net. Try searching for INTRODUCTION SQL TUTORIAL. especially find something from J hoffman
i myself am teaching myself coz the is a job which
needs that knowledge

[I_let_the_smoke_out]

Thanks, batiso, I did a search and found quite a bit of helpful information. Been playing around with SQLcourse.com some, too.