Learn SQL

I don’t do well on “learn X” goals because they’re a bit vague, at least where X is quite a big subject like SQL, so I need smaller targets that I can tick off my list.

So, the first part of this goal is to buy more memory for my computer so that I can run the latest version of Ubuntu (yep, my computer is almost obsolete…). Then, I need to download and install the stuff I need to play with SQL.

After that, the next challenge is to grok the book “Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes” by Ben Forta. Amazon told me that this book is good for beginners.

This query languange is used in so many applications.

Learning more stuff now, can write some basic queries and what not. Many opportunities at work to use what I learn, so that helps a lot.

I want to learn SQL to set up a database for my web page to manage my blog in instead of using cutenews or wordpress. I want to ALL coding of my web page on my own and ditch cutenews.

Well, when I say done, I mean as far as writing T-SQL scripts, simple management of databases, etc., I am done with that. As far as full-blown administration dues as far as setting up SQL Server and that kind of thing, I will get to that as it is necessary in the future.

Insofar as I understand the basics of moving data around in SQL. I think I know enough that I could puzzle my way through other applications (with a LOT of reading). Pretty sure I don’t know enough to administrate my own large database, but I can at least understand most of what a database administrator might say to me about a database, with a minimum of translation.

For a class on databases and database management. I’m finding that I luuuuuurve it. I haven’t really done any work with any computer language before (other than writing songs in BASIC when I was a kid and learning very bare bones HTML, which doesn’t really count), but so far SQL makes a lot of sense to me. So satisfying!

I’m not sure I need enough to be able to build something major, but I’d like to know enough to understand (some of) what is happening in SQL applications that I use or come across in other circumstances.

I started a new job back on July 2nd. I did not know what was in store for me after being at a job for 18 years, but I have to say that I have enjoyed every single minute of the new job. I have been working with SQL Server 2000 and 2005. My main task has been writing scripts and things like that for Crystal Reports. I have really been enjoying it.

I just saw one of my co-works pull together a report in SQL. Now I’m jealous. It doesn’t look difficult. And if Brian says its easy, then it’s easy. Ugggh, what to do? Does anyone know of an online course?

I think it’s better to delegate this. If I learn how to run the queries, I’ll actually have to do some of the work. God forbid I have to do the work.