Can someone direct me to a good database management system for a beginner? I'm just getting into learning SQL, but I want to make sure I get off on the right foot.

I don't mind cost (free is always preferable), so all suggestions are welcome.

For what database system?

I'm sure I'm not understanding the question correctly, but I'm gonna say SQL.

It's according to what you want to use it for.

MySQL is free and is used on may web sites, etc.
http://dev.mysql.com/

Microsoft has SQL Server 2005 Express Edition which is free
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/edition...s/default.mspx

Oracle also has a free Express Edition
http://www.oracle.com/technology/pro.../xe/index.html

The first will cost if you want a supported editon. The last two, look at the terms. If you want to have an edition to do anything substantial, it will cost.

EDIT: Almost forgot PostgreSQL. Another free RDMS http://www.postgresql.org/

Thanks! Unfortunately, I'm not sure what I'll want it for yet. I want to get more involved with web development, but may even want to get into software development later as well. I just want a program that I can use to learn the language and whatnot.

I'll check those programs out.

Dan,

Your choice will depend on what language you want to develop in. If ASP and/or .NET then Microsoft SQL server may be the way you want to go. If Java, then MySQL or Oracle. PHP - MySQL or PostresSQL. Once you figure out what you are going to do and what language, check out the RDBMS web sites, forums and books on the language to get more information. Or ask at WT

Dan, check out the software James mentioned earlier. When I was at college I started to learn SQL and I found that once you get the basics of it, you could apply it to any situation you might come across.

I used Oracle at college to develop a database and then I had to populate it with data. Later on, I then went on to use ASP to create a dynamic website where all the data was pulled from the DB.

Okay, I figured I'd try PHP with MySQL. I found a good book on it, too, but now I need a free site where I can upload my test code and whatnot. Anyone know a good free one that supports PHP and MySQL?

Most web hosting companies support PHP+MYSQL. I don't know whether you'll find a free one or not tho?

I think Microsoft Access might be appropriate here, after some thought. Nice fancy GUI, QBE, et cetera. A good stepping point.

You can't go wrong with learning MySQL on PHPmyADMIN but if your looking into SQL in general, I can't say I have really expanded myself. Oracle and MS are usually costly.

I also prolly need this :S