The document is an introductory guide to databases for developers, emphasizing the importance of understanding data as organized sets and the use of SQL for managing and retrieving that data. It outlines how databases differ from procedural programming, provides advice for effective database usage, and encourages hands-on learning through experimentation and project creation. Additionally, it highlights resources for learning and mentions a free trial of MySQL database services.

1. Database Basics for
New-ish Developers

2. HELLO!
I am Dave Stokes
I am a MySQL Community Manager
David.Stokes@Oracle.com @stokes
2

3. Database
A database is an organized collection of data stored and accessed
electronically from a computer system
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4. Why Databases Are Hard
Different Mindset Than Programming 1 4

5. “
The relational model for database
management is an approach to managing
data using a structure and language
consistent with logic -- Wikipedia
5

6. Think of Data Being In Sets
◉ Data segmented by logical group
◉ Sales data
◉ Customer information
◉ Shipping
◉ Production
◉ Join various logical groups together when needed
◉ Eliminate redundancy
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7. Works With Data Sets
Describe what you want the data
returned to you looks like.
Structured Query Language
1970s Design (but still relevant)
Designed to minimize data duplication.
Retrieve multiple records with one
command.
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8. Procedural Programs
Data
Work with one record at a
time, looping to get others
Record
One row of data
Columns
Items of data
8

9. Database
Data
Table with sets of data,
multiple tables linked
together
Records
Sets of data filtered as
needed
Columns
Items of data
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10. Your Database Server is like a library
Think of a table like a
book with all the
information on one
subject between the
covers.
Try to avoid tearing out
one page, reading that
page, and the going to
tear out the next page.
10

11. Getting Started With Databases
Open Source Database 2 11

12. Free Open Source Database
Many choices for software
Lots of documentation, examples, guides, videos on line
Reddit, forums, Slack, ...
Cloud options
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13. How to learn
1. Try examples, make subtle changes
2. Break things, learn how to fix them
3. Create your own database from scratch
4. Work with your favorite programming language
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14. Directed advice for programmers
1. Think in SETS!!!!
2. Check return codes for errors and warnings
3. Reinventing the wheel is a waste of time
a. Normalize data -- third normal form or better!
b. Think about how you are using the data, build architecture
around that use.
4. Object Relational Mappers are extra complexity
a. LEARN SQL
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15. 15

16. Structured Query Language
SQL 316

17. 17
Declarative Language
Tell the server what you want

18. 18
Dave’s Pizza Analogy
SQL
Specify crust
Specify sauce
Specify toppings
Your Programming Language
Grow wheat for crust
Harvest wheat for crust
Turn wheat into flour
Obtain water to mix with flour
Find Stirring tool
Mix water and flour in bowl
Check dough consistency
Let dough rise
Shape dough

19. 19
Declarative Language
In a similar sense to object–relational impedance mismatch, a
mismatch occurs between the declarative SQL language and the
procedural languages in which SQL is typically embedded.

20. Example: Your Own Shipping Department
Orders Table
List of items ordered by
customers
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Customers Table
Get customer payment and
shipping information
Shipping Table
Pack/ship orders

21. Example: Your Own Shipping Department
Orders Table
List of items ordered by
customers
21
Customers Table
Get customer payment and
shipping information
Shipping Table
Pack/ship orders

22. Example: Your Own Shipping Department
Orders Table
List of items ordered by
customers
22
Customers Table
Get customer payment and
shipping information
Shipping Table
Pack/ship orders

23. 23
Sold but not shipped
Shipping issues?
Free stuff?
Orders processed
What information is available?

24. 24
SELECT customer.name,
order.number,
customer.shiping_address
FROM customer
JOIN order on (order.customer_id = customer.customer_id)
WHERE order.shipped = 0
AND order.packed = 1
AND order.paid_ok = 1;
Example query to determine orders that are ready to ship.

25. Test Drive MySQL
Database Service For
Free Today
Get $300 in credits
and try MySQL Database Service
free for 30 days.
https://www.oracle.com/cloud/free/
Copyright © 2021, Oracle and/or its affiliates
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26. 26
Please Buy My Book
If you are interested in the JSON data type in
MySQL or the NoSQL JSON Document Store
then you need this book!
Available on Amazon.com!

27. THANKS!
Any questions?
You can find me at
@stoker / david.stokes@oracle.com
&
MySQL Booth on Virtual Expo Hall
27
Slides at slideshare.net/davestokes