To read all of the MySQL reference manual

Firstly im going to do my best to learn php and mysql, i have no previous experience of them so brand new to me.

For a few weeks ive been reading about php but im thinking that i should maybe read the whole mysql reference manual, i know that might sound boring but ive often found that going through the provided documention can help things sink in for me.

I see theres various reference manuals, should i go for MySQL 5.1 Reference Manual? read a bit of 6.0 or just go straight for 6.0?

Il be using online tutorials, articles, reading more of the threads here over time too, i just feel the manual is a good place to start.

 

Just a plain SQL course might be really helpful. Learn the syntax and zen of writing SQL statements, manipulating data and the like.

Also the principles of data normalization.

I don't think you will really find either of those topics in the regular MySQL documentation, but I could be wrong.

http://www.google.com/search?q=MySQL+tutorial

http://www.google.com/search?q=SQL+tutorial

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database_normalization

Eric

 

Thanks for the advice and links Eric, il take a look.

 

Got my certs here;

http://www.w3schools.com/cert/default.asp

 

Thanks buddylee, il look into it.

 

So it's basically just that you take a test and pay them $75?
http://www.w3schools.com/cert/cert_php.asp

And it's just on the honor system that you don't cheat?

And there is no instruction?

Eric

 

Oh I'm sorry, I guess you're supposed to read this first --

http://www.w3schools.com/sql/sql_intro.asp

Which will take what? Five minutes?

Eric

 

That is an excellent idea. Honestly, that's what I wanted to do 2-3 years ago. Notice the word "wanted".