MySQL Marinate!

tl;dr: This virtual self-study group is for folks who want to learn the basics of MySQL, or refresh their MySQL skills.

We are very excited to announce a new self-study group called MySQL Marinate. It will begin on January 1. 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.

The format of a virtual self-study group is as follows:

Each participant acquires the same textbook (Learning MySQL (http://astore.amazon.com/technocation-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=66), the "butterfly O'Reilly 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 (http://astore.amazon.com/technocation-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=66), 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 (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/realtime/%23mysqlmarinate). Each participant obtains assistance by posting questions to a discussion area set up on the Virtual Tech Self Study Message Board (https://www.meetup.com/Virtual-Tech-Self-Study/messages/boards/) for each chapter. Each participant receives a badge (http://openbadges.org/en-US/) upon finishing all chapters and all assignments and their name on a public website. Note: There is no classroom instruction. However, hands-on assistance is available. In the Boston area there will be "marinating hours" (location and schedule to be announced). We will also set up real-time IRC hangouts so that anyone, virtually, can get live help.

How do I get started?

Become a member of the Virtual Tech Self Study Meetup Group (https://www.meetup.com/Virtual-Tech-Self-Study/). Register for MySQL Marinate. Simply RSVP to this event: Yes Acquire a book (the only item that may cost money). Simply acquire Learning MySQL (http://astore.amazon.com/technocation-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=66) - see if your local library has it, if someone is selling their copy, or buy it from our Amazon Store (http://astore.amazon.com/technocation-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=66) (this helps pay for meetup fees).

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51C%2BdX57waL.jpg

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, that's what the forums (https://www.meetup.com/Virtual-Tech-Self-Study/messages/boards/) are for!

[Anticipated] FAQs:

Q: How long will the course last?

A: We will cover 12 lessons (chapters) in the book, so 12 (twelve) weeks starting January 1. Refer to the MySQL Marinate Season 1 Master Discussion List (https://www.meetup.com/Virtual-Tech-Self-Study/messages/boards/thread/27694982/0/) for specific dates.

Q: Do I have to wait until January 1 to begin?

A: No need to wait. Feel free to begin by reading the first lesson (chapter 1) once you obtain a copy of your book.

Q: What if I didn't RSVP in time and still want to join?

A: Just write us a note (https://www.meetup.com/Virtual-Tech-Self-Study/suggestion/), and if there is still time we can add you to the list. Or you can wait until the next season when we start another.

Q: Does this cover the Percona patch set or MariaDB forks?

A: This covers the basics of MySQL, which are immediately transferable to Percona's patched MySQL or MariaDB builds.

Q: What do I need in order to complete the course?

A: All you need is the book and access to a computer, preferably one that you have control over.

Q: Where can I put completed assignments?

A: You will be able to put completed assignments on github. We will have instructions coming soon, and will update the appropriate threads with information on how to submit assignments.

Q: The book was published in 2007. Isn't that a bit old?

A: Yes! We are working on new material, but it won't be ready by Jan 1, 2013. 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!

Sheeri Cabral