SQL - Massive favour needed!!!

[Wildfire]

I am in need of a massive favour from someone who knows SQL. For a job interview I need to have abasic understanding of SQL, not working knowledge, juts be familiar with the concepts, interface etc. I was wondering if any kind PHer would be able to show me a little bit and just have a chat with me about it? I will happily reimburse with beer tokens or in any other way that I can.

It's very important to me as I really want to get this job, which will be a career turnaround for me.

I'm in the South East, but will drive up to meet if required.

Can anybody help?

Thanks

Chris

[catretriever]

Hi Chris,

I'm no DBA or anything but I do have cause to use some SQL here and there. If you want to get a handle on the syntax then this seems to be a reasonably good online introduction http://sqlzoo.net/ . SQL is a generic acronym (structured Query language) that has many different flavours. These are mostly dictated by the big relational database firms (Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft). having said that, the basic structures are the same through all the different flavours. I think if you can get a good handle on SELECT queries, updating/inserting data in tables and the concept of 'joins' then you will have what I would consider a reasonable level of familiarity.
As far as interfaces go, well these are many and varied. You can run sql from the command line in some instances, or you may utilise a full gui such as the query analyzer that comes with MS SQL Server. You can even write SQL statements in MS Access.
How long do you have until your interview? Have a go at that online tutorial and I think it will get you a long way there..

good luck

Matt

[Tripps]

Wildfire said:

I am in need of a massive favour from someone who knows SQL. For a job interview I need to have abasic understanding of SQL, not working knowledge, juts be familiar with the concepts, interface etc. I was wondering if any kind PHer would be able to show me a little bit and just have a chat with me about it? I will happily reimburse with beer tokens or in any other way that I can.

Do you know what database server they are using?

All the major players have freebie versions you can download these days, and obviously the open source ones (mySQL etc.) are free.

Best thing might be to chuck a copy of your laptop and have a play with a few tutorials, if you've got the time that will give you more real-world knowledge and (assuming this is for web work...) you could start knocking up some basic dynamic pages.

[Graham]

We do a fair bit of sql, mainly Informix and mysql.

do you know what flavour your looking at? I've probably got a book on SQL somewhere which explains the concepts which i might be able to dig ut...


All the interfaces vary on the specific database, but if you want a play get a copy of mysql running and phpmyadmin to administer it.. that will let you play with the basic sql commands to get a feel

unless you mean the micr$haft abomination then your on you own

G

[Liszt]

Another free online resource
www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp

[jago]

if you can, have a play with a simple db - you'll pick it up much quicker that way.

[Wildfire]

Cheers guys I'll take a look at the free online resources!

Graham - If you do have a book, if I could borrow it that would be fantastic!

The interviews not confirmed and I can't imagine that it will be for a few weeks. All I really need to have ais a good understanding of things.

If anybody does have any free time I would appreciate a little tuition.

Stefan I will give you a ring this weekend.

Cheers everyone!

Chris

[victormeldrew]

I'd avoid SQL with MS Access, unless that's the DB you will be using in the job (unlikely). The Access implementation of SQL is a bit noddy, with a few syntax differences that will be distracting and confusing.

I'm pretty sure you can download an "Oracle Lite" to practice with - yes, here

I learned SQL from "SQL IN A NUTSHELL" by Kevin E Kline (O'Reilly), but that's a bit dry, more of a reference. I kind of know what I'm doing, so that suited me. It covers Oracle, SQL Server and MySQL and a couple of other flavours.

Oh, and don't just focus on the SQL itself. You will need to understand how and why relational databases work, and have a good grasp of data normalisation as well. No good knowing how to do a join if you don't understand why you'd need to!

Edited by victormeldrew on Friday 29th September 09:29

[Wildfire]

Mainly I just need to talk about it and understand the theory behind the whole thing. I will be sent on a load of training courses if I need actual working knowledge.

Cheers!!