Readers Respond: What I Wish I Knew About Databases

Responses: 11

By Mike Chapple, About.com Guide

Is there something you wish you knew about databases before you jumped in head-first? Share your insights with our readers! Share Your Insight

MySQL is a free an powerful database for web content, and can be used for other purposes as well, though Google and Facebook use MySQL. If you are working with mostly Microsoft Products, I would advise using Microsoft SQL Server, as it comes with reporting services, which is incredible. If you are using Cyrstal Reports or if you have other needs, Oracle is the main competitor of Microsoft for business applications. I hope that gives a good breakdown. Bryan-- http://www.chicagoworkshop.com/
—Guest Bryan

when you have a one to many relationship, can it erase just one field on a table if you erase from the primary table?
—routhee2

datasheet view is when you can see the database in spreadsheet form.Design view is where you can add the field name, data type, and description off the database
—Guest Eddy

How to design 1NF, 2NF & 3NF from a table given. Also how to make a composite table from the answers given in the 1-3 Normal Form.
—Guest Vivian-Lapu Wamei

I just wanted to reinforce what Mike said, that learning the SQL language is very important, and so is your selection and proper use of key ID fields. Sure, you can build simple flat databases in Access (or your db program of choice) to store your data, but the REAL power of a database comes when you understand proper relational techniques and the SQL behind them. Richard Rost AccessLearningZone.com
—Amicron

I wish I knew how to read the SQL Server log to see what actions had been performed on the database recently.
—AmyFPA