[AccessD] Slashdot: SQL vs Access for Learning Database Concepts?

If I went back to college and had to learn SQl syntax, my guess would be
that learning how to code without a GUI tool would be a better method of
learning. But, I have learned my database knowledge on my own since the days
of Cornerstone. (Let's see if anyone remembers that one! It was way ahead of
its time). I then learned the database tools and macros in Excel and finally
jumped on Access with version 1.0. Eventually, I migrated to SQL Server. And
I will tell you, that if someone asked me to write a basic select query with
a left join from scratch, forget it. It would take me 10 minutes (if I'm
lucky). I use the Access grid, copy it over to SQL and I'm done in less than
a minute. (Note: I sometimes have to fine tune the syntax).

 I have built very large, 400 + user systems with SQL Server and build 90% -
95% of my Stored Procedures  with the Access query grid. I know many of the
nuances of the Access query grid and can create very complex queries in a
10th of the time using that tool.

But, from an educational standpoint, I would certainly introduce it to
students as an excellent tool but still teach the basic methods. You never
know how each student applies their knowledge. Some will build applications,
other will become database designers on large scale systems which require
very fined tunes sql statements. Each job use a different tool set.

Now, I have based these comment solely on building queries, not on database
design. That's a whole different world with primary/foreign keys and
database normalization theories and more.

Yet, if your out of college and just starting to learn query design on your
own. Learn the query grid in Access. A 'Totally' excellent tool.

John Skolits


-----Original Message-----
From: accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
[mailto:accessd-bounces at databaseadvisors.com]On Behalf Of Lawhon, Alan C
Contractor/Morgan Research
Sent: Friday, December 12, 2003 12:22 PM
To: 'accessd at databaseadvisors.com'
Subject: [AccessD] Slashdot: SQL vs Access for Learning Database
Concepts?


This was posted on Slashdot last night.  I'm sure some of the folks on here,
(like maybe Susan Harkins, Martin Reid, and John Colby), might have an
interesting opinion about whether or not Access is a good "training vehicle"
for
learning SQL.


http://ask.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/12/11/1811206&mode=thread&tid=146&
tid=
185&tid=99

P.S.  About midway down in the reader postings, there are links to several
articles comparing the pros and cons of Access [SQL] to other SQL products.


Alan C. Lawhon

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