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Databases SQL Basics Getting Data from a Database Retrieving Specific Columns of Information

Abiel Ortega
Abiel Ortega
2,171 Points

How to Practice SQL commands and how to work with DataBases at home?

I wanted to know if there's any way I can practice what I'm learning at home without having to open a workshop here on treehouse. Is there any way I can practice on the side and I don't know maybe make my own database at home?

2 Answers

Robert Stefanic
Robert Stefanic
35,170 Points

It depends on what your goal is. Are you just trying to practice SQL for creating web apps? Or are you trying to practice running a server like a DBA and focus on databasing? If it's just to practice SQL, download SQLite. If you're interested in really digging into databases, then download either MySQL, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL and practice setting it up. Just pick one that sticks out to you, and go with it.

If you are just wanting to practice simple queries, then model a business problem (think, for example, a warehouse that may have tons of inventory and customers with login names, or a hotel that has to keep track of guests, rooms, staff, and so on), and try to model the data for that problem. Once you have 6-7 tables of information, try to practice querying information across those tables. Whenever you're working with Databases, always think about how you want the data returned (i.e. the format, the order that the information's displayed in, etc.).

If you're really digging into databases, then practice what I just mentioned, but also look into setting up different roles for different users. For example, if you were to go with the hotel model, you'd want to have different DB accounts that have access to different tables. A manager may have access to the table with all of the employee's salaries, while the staff would not have access to that information.

Abiel Ortega
Abiel Ortega
2,171 Points

OK thank you so much for this. I ended up downloading MySQL on my mac and it's running the MySQL Server and to interact with it I'm simply using my terminal logging in and using my password for it and from there using the commands and making the databases to practice.

More details for syntax flexibility, gives you extra control. What you see fit is actually probably an access debate. If you need a stream, pipe, request, get, download. Like customized application wizards, bulk bloat ware that you need to clean on computers you don't administer.