How to start off with sql

[kedar nather]

HI,
I am new to the database stuff...
I am trying to learn SQL. I want to know which book is good book.
I also want o learn Mysql , i was trying to download mysql server but i am confused which one to download??? So may thing from which i should choose
I am using windows.

Thanks.

[Campbell Ritchie]

Welcome to JavaRanch.

Download MySQL5.1 "community". Follow the installation instructions to the letter. Set it up as a "Windows service" and give yourself a root password. Call it from the command-line before you try using a Java connector.
There are tutorials on the MySQL website, and a handbook; I quoted some links here.
There are lots of tutorials to SQL on the web; the Java™ Tutorials section is a good one.

[Scott Selikoff]

Do you have an existing database you can work with? I find the process of setting up a database server can turn many people off since they sometimes break and require manual recovery. In short, using a database is very different from administering it, so don't get discouraged if installation doesn't go well.

[kedar nather]

No i don't have a database now, i am yet to install the server because its very confusing . still not sure which to download.

[Campbell Ritchie]

Go to the post I quoted yesterday, where there are other links; one gives you the installation instructions. You probably want the most recent available "stable" "essentials" version. Follow the instructions carefully, and yes, you probably want to run MySQL as a Windows Service.