as you may imagine, i'm completely new to the world of databases and I just need to know : what the hell are they?! (as funny as it may sounds I haven't found any info concerning this question yet)

are databases created with mySQL just files on the server and if yes, what and where are they? How can I copy a database from a server to another? and if you got a real good step-by-step tutorial on how to share information it would help too.

(This is a basic overview of databases. The information may not be wholly accurate due to simplification).

Basically a DB is a collection of related information. A spreadsheet is a very basic DB. DB's can be relational (data is stored in multiple locations but related to other data) or flat (think of a stack of notecards). This forum site is actually a database.

mySQL is a relational DB so the information is stored in files that relate to each other; you can copy a DB as long as you have all the related files.

An easy way to learn about DB's is to use one. MS Access is a relational DB or you can get a copy of mySQL and play w/ it. The mySQL site has tutorials and info on DB use.

Here's another simple tutorial: http://www.geekgirls.com/menu_databases.htm

__________________
Start Programming with Python-A beginner's guide to programming and the Python language.
-------------
Common Sense v2.0-Striving to make the world a little bit smarter.

Nice tutorial. I checked out the first half and they included some very good points and concepts. It would be nice it they'd update it to today and included MySQL, but the basics seem to be there. Worth bookmarking.

Thanks for the link Crys!

__________________

During the election they said Obama could only be elected when pigs fly. Well, we currently have an epidemic of Swine Flu. Coincidence?

Amazing what Google can turn up nowadays.

__________________
Start Programming with Python-A beginner's guide to programming and the Python language.
-------------
Common Sense v2.0-Striving to make the world a little bit smarter.

why thank you crystal i'll try and make something outta this. 8-)

but one more question : can we create a database (like, with mysql) directly on the server (i mean without having to use scripts) :-?

I'm not sure I know exactly what you mean, but I think the answer is yes. If you're server is set up correctly to support mySQL, you should be able to use a mySQL frontend to create and manage the DB. For example, www.navicat.com has a GUI administrator for working w/ mySQL, or you can manually make the changes to mySQL, depending on how hardcore you are.

__________________
Start Programming with Python-A beginner's guide to programming and the Python language.
-------------
Common Sense v2.0-Striving to make the world a little bit smarter.

um well okay i think i get it...

anyway i'd best be starting playing around with mysql heh