Database question

[Jester]

I'm trying (in vain so far) to write an ASCII text viewer app. Included in the aplication would be a database of upto 6 searchable indexes. The user would need to be able to select any of the indexed fields (or multiple fields) to search.

For instance:
Perhaps the index fields would be Cust. Num; Invoice Num. and Amount Billed. Next to each of these fields would be a drop down box that would allow the choice of either "All", =, < or >. Then there would be an input box for the search criteria for that field.
The user would need to be able to perfom any combonation of the searches, ie. All Cust. Num, or Billed amounts under $50.00, or perhaps all Invoice Num. for Cust. Num. ######.

The results would then be displayed in a box so the user could select the one they want to view.

I'd also like to be able to put the database on the users system on first use so that on subsequent runs (perhaps a client gets new data on a monthly bases) the new data could be added to the DB.

My problem is that while I'm fairly computer literate, I know nothing about databases.

My question is, how easy is the database plugin to learn? Would someone who knows nothing about SQL be able to set up the searches that I need?

Thanks
Jester

[Brett]

You will definitely have to learn some basic SQL in order to get real use out of the database plugin. The good news is that simple SQL queries are pretty easy and there is a LOT of free SQL syntax information and examples out there as well as a lot of good books. For example:

"SELECT * FROM Invoices WHERE AmountBilled < 50"

would be enough to get you all invoices where the amount billed was under $50.00, assuming that all of the information is in one table.

So, although I can't turn this into a full SQL lesson, rest assured that if you want to learn and apply yourself, I think you will find that basic level database stuff will come pretty easily.

And, you will have another skill to add to your resumee ;)

[Corey]

Hi. The plug in uses SQLite which is very easy to learn. I definitely encourage you to check it out.

That being said, it's reasonable to expect that you would have to learn at least a few basic things about databases/SQLite before endeavoring to create/manage an advanced database search script. Good news is though that if you are computer literate then it should be a relatively painless process, fun even. Hope that helps... :)

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software (http://www.indigorose.com)

[John-oh]

Jester,

As suggested there are loads of sql tutorials on the web,

For a starter try :

Sql course (http://sqlcourse.com/)

Sql tutor (http://www.1keydata.com/sql/sql.html)

New to SQL (http://www.powerbasic.com/products/sqltools/NewToSQL.asp)

Have fun !

[Jester]

Thanks all.

I'll look into it.

J