[nfbcs] SQL training

[Tracy Carcione]

Hi Bryan.
I have been working with databases for 25 years.  Our current system uses
VSAM, but the old one used IMS, which was a lot more powerful, mainly
because I could add indices or even whole databases..  Anyway, I think I
have a good understanding of that kind of database.  Are relational
databases so different that a whole class would be useful?  I'm willing to
take one if that's so, but if I can get the same info talking to a
colleague for an hour or so...
12 hours quicker, ay?  Impressive!
Tracy

> 	hello tracy.  If you're interested in taking a class to learn SQL,
> I suggest looking around for a class on an introduction to databases
> in general with an emphasis on the particular database you're using at
> work.  SQL syntax isn't that hard to learn from books and the like, but
> gaining a broader understanding of database designs, structures and use
> cases is.  Most database engines in common use today use SQL to manipulate
> their controls and import and export data.  I would imagine, then, that
> you
> might find a class at a local community college entitled something like:
> "A
> practical introduction to databases using MYSQL" or something like
> that.   Such a class would be exactly what you need to get started down
> the path of becoming a database and SQL techie.  I can tell you from
> experience that having a good understanding of how relational databases,
> and this is what all of them are these days, is invaluable when it comes
> to
> learning and using SQL syntax effectively.  Early in my career a colleague
> gave me a 10 minute lecture about how to construct queries against
> relational databases.  I was able to take the knowledge gleaned from that
> discussion and rewrite a report generator we used in a production
> environment in such a way that its execution time was  reduced by 12
> hours.
> That's powerful medicine and it gave me a new respect for database
> experts.
> 	By the way, it's worth mentioning that it would probably be best if
> you can get a class that uses the same database engine you use at work for
> its practical exercises, but if you can't find one that's convenient or
> workable, taking a class that teaches the general concepts but uses a
> different software package will still provide you a valuable benefit.  The
> concepts will be directly transferable to the software you use at work.
>
> Good luck and let us know what you find.
>
> -Brian
> On Aug 20, 11:09am, Tracy Carcione via nfbcs wrote:
> } Subject: [nfbcs] SQL training
> } I need to learn SQL.  I've got some time to do it.  I've been studying
> } books and making some progress, but the boss has just offered to pay for
> a
> } course, if I find one that's worthwhile.
> } Has anyone found a SQL course that was useful?  Or have people just
> } learned from books and co-workers?
> } Tracy
> }
> }
> }
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>>-- End of excerpt from Tracy Carcione via nfbcs
>
>
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