Need some advice.

[wulfen_us]

Hi obviously I'm new to the forums and trying to learn how to create databases as such.

as the title says I really need some advice as I am a noob when it comes to creating databases. Here's my questions rather so to say, I'm looking to create a web based database that allows a user to select one of two teams, once the user has selected what team they are on, another form field will ask them what craft are they looking for. which is fighter, escort, battleship. and then it would bring up a list of fighters or any of the other two subjects which in turn will allow the user to view an image of that craft along with the specifications of the craft.
Any help on this would sincerely be appreciated, such as what would be the best database creation software and how would I get started with it. Thanks guys.

 

[DauntingGecko]

Hey. Welcome to the forum.

Database Stuff
Your question isn't Excel related, but I don't mind pointing you in the right direction. First of all you need to start looking into how a database works - the most simple and easiest type of database to start off with would be to use Microsoft Access (http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/access).

What you're trying to do is quite complex for a newbie but it can be done. Don't get frustrated at the fact you can't instantly make what you want (you have to start off small and step by step).

Excel isn't a database - it is a spreadsheet. This means it's primary purpose is to calculate and manipulate data. You can of course save lots of data in a spreadsheet like a database though (but it's not advised you do it due to various reasons).

In a database there are tables (like sheets in Excel). Each table has columns and rows (just like Excel) - the difference is that it is designed to store data much better than Excel can. Each table (again, think of it like a sheet in Excel) in a database can link (known as join) to other tables so you can categorise / group pieces of information, allowing you to organise everything easily. That's just starting the database stuff!

Website Stuff
If you want it on a website, you'll then have to learn a scripting webpage language called HTML - this allows you to create basic websites. There are other programming languages that you'll come across as well, but start of with HTML for websites.

It is a huge piece of work for a newbie for something you would think is simple - you have to remember that a lot of us do this every day for a living for years so we make it look easy. However, we all started somewhere just like you are right?

A really good website (it won't have everything you need, but it's a great place to start) is http://www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp. Start off with getting Microsoft Access and learn SQL from this site.

Alternatively you can try: http://www.microsoft.com/web/ and download webmatrix (it's free).