Databases
MySQL
Free (open-source) and very similar to MS SQL
Works very well in combination with various programming languages like Perl, C, C++, Java, and PHP
Tutorial here: http://www.tutorialspoint.com/mysql/index.htm (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Download here: http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/workbench/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Don't forget to end your queries with a ";"
Need test data or want to test the scalability of your system? Use a generate dummy data application to generate up to 100 rows per iteration. A MySQL friendly version can be found here: http://www.generatedata.com/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Microsoft Access
Microsoft support pages contain information on syntax and basic how-to guides: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Access-help-29d7b83c-3b06-41ca-b38b-483b6d5efb1b?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Relational Databases and Microsoft Access (free pdf textbook): http://www.acs.uwinnipeg.ca/rmcfadyen/CreativeCommons/Relational%20Databases%20and%20Microsoft%20Access%20V2.0.pdf (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Query syntax: Querying an Access Database from a Windows Form using C sharp.docx
AirTables - an alternative to GoogleSheets. Great for building a simple cloud-based database for free.
FileMaker - Apple product used to create local and hosted database with CRUD capability. A lot like Access but with more functionality.
Use FileMaker if your client is reluctant to use a programming language
Don’t use FileMaker if your client needs very specific functionality or is looking for very cheap solutions ($197 for non-profit edition)
Use placeholder tables if you’re unsure of how to export data
PostgreSQL - Open-source RDBMS with similar syntax to other popular SQL flavors. Has native support for unique and flexible datatypes like ARRAY and JSON.
Cloud Firestore - NoSQL database service offered by Google Cloud Platform. Has client and server libraries for just about any language. Very inexpensive, especially when considering the $300 annual credit all GCP accounts get.
Knack - create a non-technical database for our client. Frontend of the application allows users to RSVP to an event with a calendar application. Information is then transferred to the backend database.
Simple, non-technical app builder