Need database help

[ZoSo]

What prog would I need to make a database? I need it to be searchable through a website and also it needs to have the ability to add info to it from the site.
And, What would be the best way for site visitors to do this?

Thanks,

 

[billandopus]

Try http://www.oracle.com and look for Oracle 8/i lite. Downloadable for free.

 

[denali]

You could use PHP and MySQL.
http://www.php.net/
http://www.mysql.com/

 

[CyberTiger]

what is mySQL is it the same as SQL?

 

[ZoSo]

I'm not sure, but they look like they might be out of my league. All I need is something to search for States, zip codes and a certain product in that zip. Is databasing the only way to do this? I also need it to run on Win98 for prototyping.
Any help with this will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

 

[purplehayes]

MySQL is a subset of SQL. (I think)

PHP/MySQL are easy to learn, give them a try. You'll be surprised by how quickly you can pick them up.

PH

 

[spree]

MySQL is SQL. And PHP3/MySQL isn't all that easy to learn. Oh and most people run it off Linux/Unix, I believe it's possible to run it off NT.

 

[billandopus]

I believe that mySQL is SQL but with a few different touches. I'm sure that the website tells ya.

 

[ZoSo]

^
up

 

[Xede]

MS Access is probably the cheapest and easiest for what you need. That's the database--you still need something on your web server to be able to read/manipulate the datbase, such as PHP, ASP, or Cold Fusion.

 

[lowtech1]

I second MS Access

 

[purplehayes]

PHP/MySQL are freeware/opensource it doesn't get any cheaper than that. Access wasn't really made to be a web-based database. I don't want to get flamed for plugging who I use for hosting, but if you want to e-mail me at john@interwovendesign.com I'll tell you.

 

[Rogue]

I third MS Access. Great way to break into databases. Create your database, set up an ODBC connection or use ADODB in your code and you're set, at least for IE users. Nutscrape pretty much sucks when it comes to databases. Definitely use ASP and IE as your standard.

 

[Brooks]

OMFG whoever said Oracle Lite, was that a joke? I've not used Lite, but I've used oracle, its no beginner's database, is Lite really that much easier?

DEFINITELY a beginner should be starting with MS Access. Grab a book, its pretty easy to setup and do some simple things with. I would also recommend an NT based server and just use .asp (active server pages) to interface with the DB. Sure you can learn things like PHP, but asp is really dominating the field pretty well, and you won't have a problem getting a server to support it - plus its imminently useable to gain employment.


I also highly recommend this particular tutorial for you: http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/backend/databases/tutorials/tutorial3.html

Also the beauty of ASP, even with VBscipt, is that since everything is run server side it works fine in nutscrape and IE both, so no compatibility worries.

Brooks

 

[ZoSo]

Thanks for the input peoples. That tutorial looks really helpful

 

[catseye]

I fourth the Access recomendation. Perfect for what you describe. SQL is probably overkill.

 

[ZoSo]

I'm gonna take a look at Cold Fusion also. Looks like it can do it all, as far as webpage & database combined. I'll just have to do the old trial and error thing, and see which combination I'll be able to work with

Thanks again,

 

[Xede]

Yes, it can do it all, and you'll probably be able to pick it up and start making useful pages with it faster than you could with ASP or PHP. Will you be hosting this site on your own server, or will it be hosted by someone else?

 

[markjrubin]

There is a mysql for windows version. I say learn that. It's much faster than access because it doesn't have a lot of crap in it.

 

[ZoSo]

Xede I'll probably have my ISP host it at first, then build a server just for it.

 

[billandopus]

Yeah, it was kind of a joke. Oracle is some serious stuff. I guess I should have made it more obvious.