So many directions to go with DB training

[m2244]

Hello,

I am fairly new to the DB discipline. I have read various publications, posts, etc which frankly, gets a little confusing. I have experience with some web programing, JS, jQuery and I have scratcheed the surface of SQL.

I guess I am wondering which road to take to begin learning DB programming/management. For instance, should I get a copy of MySQL on my home computer, start setting up tables, adding data, make a connection to it with web services, and just play around like that? What other sorts of things should I use behind the scenes; PHP, Java, etc?

What are the most common tools out there?

Some might ask me what I plan to do with databases. At this point I just want to concentrate on the subjects that will help me the most in general. Right now I do mostly web stuff but I want to broaden my knowledge of DB possibly working towards more of a DB geared job.

Thanks for any help or resources that might help.

[rmiao]

You can install MySql or sql express on your computer and try them, they are free and come with complete document.