Re: Getting Started: Tutorials/Books? - Mailing list pgsql-novice

--- "Eric M. Cherry" <cherry_eric@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> I am getting started with only basic computer-using skills and essentially
> no programming knowledge.  I am in need of a tutorial and/or a reference
> book that will help me learn to use pgAdmin III.

I haven't seen a tutorial for pgAdmin III.  However, I haven't really look either.
However for general SQL practice:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SQL  -- general information
http://sqlzoo.net/ -- a nice tutorial that actually let you enter your own queries to help you
learn through practice


> The tutorial that exists in the help file appears to focus on using the psql
> program from within a command shell.  I have failed to accomplish even the
> most basic commands in this manner; the system tells me that user "emc" does
> not exist, I do not appear able to create that user, and I cannot see a way
> to switch to a valid user.  Meanwhile, using pgAdmin III, I appear to be
> able to create new databases and tables.

We (us on this mailing list) can assist you with getting connected to your database using psql.
But first you will need to provide to with your pg_hba.conf file and the command you are using and
the error message you receive when it fails.

Just remember, when you reply to this or any other list email, always reply-all so that everyone
on the list can offer a helping hand.  And also, the list prefers that we do not "top post" when
we reply to an email from the list.  Always cut out the specific portion of text that you want to
comment on and add your reply below it.


> I am assuming that my gross lack of knowledge is what keeps me from using
> the command shell while I can make use of the pgAdmin III interface.  The
> interface is clearly picking up the slack for me, which I appreciate.

PgAdmin is a good tool to use.  However, in my opinion it should only be used as a tool of
convenience for a Database Administrator.   Eventually, when you become more experienced with
PostgreSQL, you will eventually start building your own front-end for users to use the underling
database.  PgAdmin is not really suited for this particular task.

Also, becoming familiar with the SQL Data Definition Language (DDL) and other SQL statements used
in PSQL will expose you to features that you probably wouldn't learn about if you limited youself
many to any various DBA front-ends in-addition to PgAdmin.

> This does not help me get beyond the wall of incomprehension at the next
> stage, though.  I can spawn a database, and I can create a table.  I do not
> grasp the basics of table mechanics from the programming side.  (I have, on
> paper, the table I want to create; I do not know how to make this happen in
> the database.)

Check out the one-line PostgreSQL manual:
http://www.postgresql.org/docs/8.1/interactive/index.html

--the index is a great place to start.  Reading the main heading and then working your way to the
sub-heading will help you to know where first you can turn when you have a question or problem
that you want an answer to.

but more specifically to creating a table:
http://www.postgresql.org/docs/8.1/interactive/sql-createtable.html

> Is there a comprehensive tutorial available for this, or can you recommend a
> book that can give me the background knowledge I need to begin to make
> progress?

There are quiet a few of generalized SQL tutorials from the WIKI page that I previous sighted.
Note that these links are at the bottom of that page.

Here is a link of books listed by the PostgreSQL community:
http://techdocs.postgresql.org/#books
http://techdocs.postgresql.org/techdocs/bookreviews.php#sql

However, I must admit that I've learned the most just by reading the mail posted on various
Postgresql Mailing lists.  Sometimes there is alot to read, but you'll "learn things to never knew
you never knew."  :-)

There is also a Postgresql list for SQL questions you might also like to check out.  The general
list is very good also, yet there is sometime alot to read.


Having said all that,  Welcome to the PostgreSQL community!

Regards,

Richard Broersma Jr.