Where do I begin? DB Programs

[inzzane]

Hello to all,
I am attempting to begin studying how to buid DB Program applications, but do not know where to begin. Everywhere I look I find a hundred different programs that are being used to build database programs, and I have no idea what the differences in them are.
I started out just browsing to see what the final results of a program built with these systems would even look like, but could not locate anything. I have run across many references to GUI. I have some idea of what it is, but not real sure.
I have an A+ cert. but have never dealt with programming anything before.I plan on leaving my current job within a year and am looking to study something that will help me into the Computer technology field.
I chose databases because I have a good idea for a program I can build when I learn it, and have always been good with database style work and enjoy it. Also hear theres decent jobs and pay for guys in the right fields that know the right languages.
Thats where I am looking to get to.
Other than that I am open for suggestions. I have PLENTY of time to study materials, just have no clue what materials I should use to begin studying.
Any ideas would be appreciated?

[jkrohn]

Well the first thing you should do is learn how to design and build databases.

Things involved in this are SQL and a DBMS (oracle is what most companies want though you can use free ones like MySQL or Postgresql).

Pick up a book on designing databases and learn how to efficiently desgin databases as record locking methods, index methods, and recovery. All will be covered if you get a good book. Also practice all this stuff.

Once you get it down how to create databases you can begin to write programs that act on them. The easiest way to begin to do this is though the use of something like PHP. Here you can use a web based interface to manipulate data, and PHP is easy to learn.

Once oyu have that mastered you can look into learning something like Java or C/C++ to manipulate the data. Just a different programming style.

Your question is *very* broad, and what you are looking to do is not easy. If you need any clarification on anything let me know.

Jkrohn

[SeanC]

If you have it. The best starting place is MS Access. If you're on Linux then MySQL or programs like that.

I recommend finding a good book on either program and going through it and practice all the examples in the book.

Sean

[inzzane]

Thanx for the info. I've just ordered training CD's and books on Access, and SQL based on both of your advice. I'll look into it a bit more for oracle, and will probably wait a bit until I get some general knowledge of building a DB. But I do appeciate the start. At least you pointed me in the right direction. (I felt like a dizzy blindfolded kid being spun around while trying to swing at a pinyata.)

[vass0922]

You can indeed learn some database related information from MS Access. BEWARE the Access SQL (Jet-SQL) SUCKS lol

Its not standard, and lacks a bit of functionality.

Its ok for learning the basics, but don't rely too heavily on it if you want to move into larger DB's

MySQL and PostGRESQL are both free... MySQL has a good working windows version as well.

If you have access to a web server, you can use scripting languages like PHP or Perl to play around with it and output formatted data.

Or you can just use perl or vbscript or java or something and tinker with it w/o the webserver.. up to you.

[SeanC]

True. Access is limited in a lot of ways. It is great for learning the basics. Most schools should be teaching that to get people into the basics of databases not SQL Server or Oracle or Powerbuilder.

Once you know Access it's easier to move onto the bigger and better products.

Sean

[inzzane]

So it seems the best route is MS Access til I get basic understanding, then MySQL then Oracle or some large DBMS?

[crouse]

If your programming for the web:

PHP resources
http://www.usalug.org/phplinks/index.php?PID=23

MySql Database Resources
http://www.mysql.com
http://www.mysql.com/documentation/index.html
http://www.mysql.com/portal/books/index.html

Postgresql Database Resources
http://www.postgresql.org/
http://techdocs.postgresql.org/
http://www.postgresql.org/docs/awbook.html