Should I consider learning MySql or SQL Server 2000/MSDE 2000 2

[steve728]

I'm an experienced Foxpro, VBA, ADO, ASP(VBScript) database programmer learning how to program with VB.NET,ADO.NET and ASP.NET.

I've been using Jet 4 as a database engine for quite some time now. Should I learn more about MySql or MSDE/SQL Server 2000?

I don't want to waste my time.

Thanks in advance.

Steve

 

[Isadore]

Steve --

I can't imagine any time wasted studying either MySQL or SQL, keeping in mind that many end up using Oracle, etc... Should depend on your future plans, requirements, but for academic purposes either is worth knowing.

MySQL is limited by the lack of support for stored procedures and views, and it doesn't support referential integrity (no reliance on foregin keys). Advantages include that its free, administrative tools can be found that are also free, and it runs on many different platforms.

You could aquire MySQL and introduce yourself at that level and then more on later to SQL -- guess it depends on whats on the menu in your future.

Just a couple of thoughts.

 

[Isadore]

Steve --

One other note; I am not an expert with SQL, only having very limited knowledge of it -- the above are just a few tidbits I have heard along the way. There are few here at the ASP.NET forum (LV e.g.) who have much more familiarity with this than I.

 

[BoulderBum]

Practically speaking, it seems to me that most companies using Microsoft ASP.NET technology are also using SQL Server 2000 (Oracle less frequently, MySql almost never).

I'm of the opinion, however, that a strong foundation of ANSI SQL knowledge makes learning various RDBMS systems almost trivial.

 

[Isadore]

Good point Boulder.