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In the Internet age, information is no longer represented in filing cabinets; instead, it's stored as digital ones and zeroes in databases, data storage "containers" that impose a certain structure on information, so as to simplify the task of managing and using it.

Of course, putting data into a database is only half the battle - the other half involves using it effectively. Which brings us to the point of this article - using SQL, or Structured Query Language, to communicate with a database in order to extract the data you require from it.

Over the next few pages, I'll be explaining some of the basic SQL commands to create and enter information into a database, together with examples that should make things clearer. In case you've never used a database before, or the thought of learning another language scares you, don't worry - SQL is considerably simpler than most programming languages, and you should have no trouble picking it up.

Onwards!

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