SQL queries and Web Programming

[Scarpozzi]

What does it take to learn this stuff. I've setup databases in MySQL before and connected web apps to them, but if I were to switch careers from a sys admin to a sys analyst. How long would it take me to really get the hang of it. I've not done a lot of programming in my career....basically just config files for apache, etc...

 

[Cheetah8799]

First off, you'll find out soon enough that Apache config files changes and connecting an app to the MySQL database is not programming.


The hard part about web based app design is learning how to write SQL queries and code that is efficient. There can be a lot of ways to get the same data out of a table, but some may result in the server killing itself if 100+ people hit the site at the exact same time.

How hard is the transition between job types? I think it depends on the analyst job. "System Analyst" is just a generic term. I am one, but my job is mostly web server admin with a bit of coding. Our apps are all internal, so any PHP coding I do doesn't have to be super awesome efficient, just get the job done. We have 3 other PHP coders, and they are good, but I still see some buggy stuff being created.

I guess it really depends on what the company expects. If they expect top of the line coding, then the transition to a programmer job will be harder and require more time in training. I'll even go so far as to say you really need a full Computer Science degree to have the proper background knowledge about to be a really good programmer. If they just want a hack coder to get something working for a limited time, then it's not very tough really and can be done with minimal training...

I hope I actually helped. I think the biggest concern you should have right now is if you will actually like doing web based programming. It can become tiresome if you spend enough 8 to 10 hour days in a row staring at a computer screen writing PHP code. You may want to go buy some PHP/MySQL books and think up a couple app ideas and try to write them on your own. At least to see what it's like before switching jobs.

I went the opposite direction as you, started as a desktop tech, got my degree, thought I wanted to be a programmer. After about a year and a half of coding I got tired of it and wanted to move more towards an admin position of some sort. So far so good.


edit: Sorry if any of this comes across as mean. I don't intend it to be, just trying to be helpful and provide some of my personal experience in the field.

 

[KB]

In 6 months you could gain enough knowledge to do web programming and database design, but you would write sloppy code and create poor databases. I have been doing this for a few years and still find times when I look back and see I have been doing things the wrong way. It takes many years and alot of experience to get good at it. Mostly you need to make a lot of mistakes and learn from them.

 

[daniel1113]

You could easily learn the basics within a few months; however, as KB already mentioned, your code will probably be pretty bad and your databases poorly designed. I have been doing web design and database administration for six years now, and I still cringe when I look at some of my old work. I'm just glad none of my work for the first few years had a direct effect on any mission critical systems.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I guess I'm just wanting to break into it because I see more salary potential and easier transition to other firms. Doing Systems Administration is a lot of fun if you ask me and I really don't want to transition to a full-time programmer. I know the systems analyst title is extremely vague because that was my title here until they finally came back and re-named it.

Also, I was just trying to make a point about the Apache stuff... I know it's different from coding a database. I also realize a lot about directory design and the simple fact that flat design works faster. I think I may have some books at home, but I can't remember if any are about SQL. I know I have some about perl and php...though I haven't done much with them. Thanks-

 

[Patt]

Good luck with the switch ... I'm technically a Systems Analyst by title ... but I rarely get to do any sort of programming. I've been trying to create my own niche here, but we're so small and understaffed that if I want to ever get programming done it is often on my own time. Hence, I don't do much

I live in a small northern town, and there just isn't the scope I'd like, but then again, I'm not willing to sacrifice my lifestyle for that either.

 

[fs5]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
I guess I'm just wanting to break into it because I see more salary potential and easier transition to other firms.

don't do it unless you love programming. Bad idea to become a programmer "just for the money"

 

[hooflung]

Database administration is not an easy concept. Procedural Programming will only get you so far in web design. Database connectivity in a web app almost screams that you learn the object oriented thought process. Designing objects in an application are very similar to how you design a proper, normalized database. Learning the two at the same time can be tricky or easy depending on how much you love it.