Intro To SQL

SQL is the Structured Query Language. It is the way we communicate with all modern database products. SQL is used by high-end commercial products, like Oracle and DB2. It is also used by Free/Open Source software database programs like MySQL and PostgreSQL.

Knowledge of SQL is essential if you're going to design or maintain database-driven applications. You'll need to know SQL if you're using MySQL or PostgreSQL along with Apache for your Web site. Knowledge of SQL allows you to access database data in ways that your current application software does not allow or makes difficult.

SQL is not like typical programing languages that may take weeks to learn. You can pick up the basics in about 30 minutes - more complex SQL operations are learned quickly. SQL queries are English-like:

select name from customers;
select quantity from inventory where partnum = '110-45232';

You'll receive a workbook that contains lab exercises and a SQL reference.

Prerequisites

You should have a basic understanding of computers. You do not need to have previous experience with programming, databases, or other detailed computer knowledge.