How to Become a Web Developer - Things You Need to Learn - STEP 6 - Working with Database

Photo Source

Hello friends, welcome back to the step 6 of my how to become a web developer series. In the last step, we were able to learn about Server Side Programming, I explained different server side technologies and what's obtainable in each of the technologies. You can check that out HERE.

Having known what server side programming or server side language means, you have to start working with databases. Note: You have to master server side programming before working with databases because they work hand in hand.

What is a database?

A database refers to a collection of information in a well organized and structured pattern that will aid retrieval and management. Database data are stored in form of tables using rows and column with a primary index which makes every information unique.

Photo Source

Types of Databases

1. Relational Databases: These are databases that runs in tables, i.e databases in which data are kept in tables and those table are in columns. Something similar to an excel spreadsheet but on a much higher level.
   
   Structure of a Relational Database Photo Source

• MySQL: MySQL is a very popular Relational Database Management System and also extremely easy to use.
  
  MySQL Database Photo Source

• PostgreSQL: This is kind of similar to MySQL but a little more advanced and a little more powerful in my personal opinion.
  
  PostgreSQL Photo Source

1. NoSQL Databases: This are Non Relational Databases and are similar to JSON.

• MongoDB: MongoDB is a document database which an example of NoSQL database.
• CouchDB: This another popular NoSQL database.

Suggestions/Pick and Focus on One

I will suggest you learn MySQL first because its easier and also has a huge community which is very popular.

• PHP/MySQL: If you choose PHP as your preferred Server Side Language, then you have to choose MySQL as your database. PHP and MySQL work hand in hand.

• Node.js/MongoDB: Then if Node.js is your preferred Server Side technology, then MongoDB is your best option.

Conclusion

Working with databases with the use of database queries and server side programming language is an open door to the world of web development.

In the next step, we will learn about other side technologies that will give you an edge as a web developer.

Quote for motivation

Make your brain work, it will sweat but make it work, for it will improve and develop.

Related Topics

• How to Become a Web Developer - Things You Need to Learn - STEP 5 - Server Side Programming
• How to Become a Web Developer - Things You Need to Learn - STEP 4 - Where Next to go
• How to Become a Web Developer - Things You Need to Learn - STEP 3 - Deploy A Website
• How to Become a Web Developer - Things You Need to Learn - STEP 2 - JavaScript
• How to Become a Web Developer - Things You Need to Learn - STEP 1

---

---