> > Access is not a database... > > :) > > And if it it were, it's at the rock bottom. With free and open source > products like PostgreSQL and MySQL, why settle for less?
If someone is learning database theory, Access is a far better choice than MySQL for a number of reasons. First, unlike MySQL, it supports the ANSI SQL-89 standard. MySQL supports no standards. It doesn't even correctly support simple stuff such as the "||" concatenation operator. Access also allows you to view the results of your queries in a spreadsheet format, and also allows you to view and manipulate your tables in the same manner. That's very good for learning, and is much easier than getting a printed version of the results. Access also has many features that MySQL doesn't, such as a graphical report writer. The only problem with Access is that it costs money. But it's only $100, probably the best bargain that Microsoft has. Students who are going to learn database theory are probably better off with PostgreSQL in the long term. But if someone has already bought Access, it's an excellent place to learn SQL. Just don't let anybody around the terrible programming language in it. Michael -- Michael Darrin Chaney [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.michaelchaney.com/ _ Philippine Linux Users Group. Web site and archives at http://plug.linux.org.ph To leave: send "unsubscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the Linux Newbies' List: send "subscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
