The 3rd season of MySQL Marinate begins October 1st! Join the meetup group and RSVP at season 3 to join! You can do the work on MySQL, or if you prefer, MariaDB or Percona.
If you do not have the book yet, you can still do the first week by using the online material from Browse Contents on the OReilly book page for Learning MySQL. There is homework for week 1, see the master list for all the information.
If you would like to learn MySQL from the ground up, consider joining us. This is for beginners If you have no experience with MySQL, or if you are a developer that wants to learn how to administer MySQL, or an administrator that wants to learn how to query MySQL, this course is what you want.
If you are not a beginner, you are welcome to join too maybe you need a refresher, or maybe you just want to test your knowledge or earn badges. Thats OK too!
The format of a virtual self-study group is as follows:
Each participant acquires the same textbook (Learning MySQL, the butterfly OReilly book, published 2007). You can acquire the textbook however you want (e.g. from the libary or from a friend) but if you buy the book, we ask that you buy it from our Amazon Store, to help pay for meetup fees.
Each participant commits to read one chapter per week, complete the exercises and post a link to the completed work. Tweet using the hashtag #mysqlmarinate.
Each participant obtains assistance by posting questions to a discussion area set up on the Virtual Tech Self Study Message Board for each chapter.
Each participant receives a badge upon finishing each chapter and all assignments.
Note: There is no classroom or video instruction.
How do I get started?
Become a member of the Virtual Tech Self Study Meetup Group.
Register for MySQL Marinate. RSVP to this event: Yes
Acquire the book (the only item that may cost money). Get your hands Learning MySQL see if your local library has it, if someone is selling their copy, or buy it from our Amazon Store (this helps pay for meetup fees).
When your book arrives, start your virtual learning by reading one chapter per week. Complete the exercises; if you have any questions, comments or want to learn more in-depth, thats what the forums are for!
Learning MySQL
FAQs:
Q: How long will the course last?
A: We will cover 12 lessons (chapters) in the book, so 12 (twelve) weeks starting October 1st, though we will have one week that is a break so that you can catch up if you need to or you have a week off if you need it. Refer to the MySQL Marinate Season 3 Master Discussion List for specific dates.
By January 1st, 2014, you will know MySQL!!
Q: Can I get ahead?
A: Sure! This is go-at-your-own-pace. To prevent spoilers, please put comments in the appropriate chapter threads.
Q: Does this cover the Percona patch set or MariaDB forks?
A: This covers the basics of MySQL, which are immediately transferable to Perconas patched MySQL or MariaDB builds.
Q: What do I need in order to start the course?
A: All you need is the book and access to a computer, preferably one that you have control over. Installing MySQL is chapter 2, so really, all you need is the book and a computer to start, you dont have to worry about any prerequisites. If you do not have the book yet, you can still do the first week by using the online material from Browse Contents at the OReilly Learning MySQL page.
Q: Where can I put completed assignments?
A: You will be able to put completed assignments on github. Instructions are in week 1.
Q: The book was published in 2007. Isnt that a bit old?
A: Yes! OReilly is working on new material, but it is not ready yet. The basics are still accurate, and we will let you know what in the book is outdated. We will also have optional supplemental/extra credit material for those who want to learn more right away. We are confident that this self-study course will make you ready to dive into other, more advanced material.
Soak it in!
*either tomorrow or today, depending on when and where you read this. Or it was in the past, if you have to catch up on your blog posts. Its OK, you can join us late, too. You can go at your own pace.