Learning SQL

[Wildfire]

I need to get a good grasp of SQL basics. Where is the best place to start? Can anybody give me any advice or help?

Much appreciated

Chris

[ErnestM]

MySQL is a good place to start. You can't really learn it without loading some software and "taking the plunge". Since MySQL is free, then all that you invest is your time.

ErnestM

[Don]

I used to like the Wrox Press books. Get one on generic SQL.

Then get a book on a specific database and learn the twiddles.

SQL. Brilliant concept. Takes about a day to learn the basics. Years to become a master.

[iaint]

Wrox or O'Rielly books are good sources of info.

Postgres or MySQL are good databases to start playing with but you'll need to be pretty clued up to get postgres working on windows.

Oracle has a light version of it's DB that's free to download and use and their SQLDeveloper is also free - it'll make querying, editing, etc simple.

Access is okay but speaks a funny dialect (i.e. not fully ANSI compliant).

To relly get to grips with it you'll need a project to focus your mind. You'll only get so far just playing with it.

[Don]

Isn't there a free version MSSQLServer 2005? Comes with all the tools, unusually?

[pdV6]

Don said:

Isn't there a free version MSSQLServer 2005? Comes with all the tools, unusually?

SQL Express is the MSSQL-2005 equivalent of MSDE in MSSQL-2000

[Don]

pdV6 said:

Don said:

Isn't there a free version MSSQLServer 2005? Comes with all the tools, unusually?

SQL Express is the MSSQL-2005 equivalent of MSDE in MSSQL-2000

That's the very boy! Fully functional database.

Fill yer boots!