[ubuntu-za] Database Problems

[Johan Mynhardt]

On 23/01/2010 21:03, Ian Whitfield wrote:
>...
> I think I need something more robust. Back to PostgreSQL I guess - just
> need to get the damned thing running.
>
> Why is this such a mission???
>
>   From a very un-happy bunny
>
> Ian
>
>
>

I think before trying something more "robust" there is a lot to take 
into consideration.

When talking about databases there are many different ways to approach 
depending on the needs and requirements.

First of all, there are no shortcuts to having a perfectly great 
database interface. From what I can gather the interface is what you are 
concerted about most. In the end, it does not matter what RDBMS 
(Relational Database Management System) you use, they all deliver nearly 
the same result.

Now, talking about MySQL, PostgreSQL, OOo Base, phpmyadmin, PGAdmin etc. 
involves different components of the entire "Database" people generally 
think about. It's a very complex system after all.
MySQL, PostgreSQL, JavaDB/Derby, OracleDB etc. is only the Database 
Server. Now to simplify that, see the server as the backend or the think 
that makes sure your data stays organized. You then need a way to access 
the data "from" the server.
This is achieved by means of interacting with the database 
server/backend. Either by SQL (Structured Query Language) which is a 
very "raw" way of retrieving data, or by having a front-end such as 
MySQLAdmin, PGAdmin, OOo Base etc.

See the separation? It's a typical client/server model. It's been a very 
long time since I have worked with OOo Base and with reason. It just 
make life difficult when you want to do something it can't. Let me 
rather say that I have never been a fan of using "office-suite-type 
database interfaces" when I want to work with databases.

I don't know what the tutorials on the websites you provided explain and 
in what detail, but I'll try to give some guidance steps together with 2 
rules:

Rule number 1: RTFM (Read The Fine Manual) with patience.
Rule number 2: Refer to rule #1 as much times as needed with even more 
patience :)

So, try the following:

1. Install a database server (mysql-server)  - learn how to start and 
stop it.
2. Install a database client (mysql-client) - you need this to query the 
"raw" data mentioned earlier.
3. Learn SQL - so that you can use the database client.

before the question pops up, it's all CLI tools. Data is made up of text :)

4. Install something like MySQL query browser, to retrieve/modify the 
data in a graphical manner.
5. I am out of touch with any front-ends to database querying, so 
someone from the list might fill in the gaps.

Finally, there is something else to try as well: XML data. This is 
another way of having all the benefits of storing data and reading it, 
but it might be a tedious process. I mentioned it just for interest 
sake. (Again i might be wrong so any help on filling the gaps is welcome)

Kind Regards

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