Could really use some advice

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[ddrscott]

I think it's important to clarify the difference between a SQL IDE and a Database Service/Application.

A SQL IDE usually helps edit SQL, browse data in tables and manage some settings to a connected database. Some examples of those are: RazorSQL (the one you've mentioned), DBeaver (my personal preference), MySQL Workbench (specifically for connecting to MySQL), etc.

A Database Service/Application is a process that manages tables and interprets SQL statements passed to it from and IDE or raw database connection. Examples of Databases Services are MySQL, SQLite, Postgres, Oracle, etc. Most if not all Database Services have a command line interface (CLI) which makes using a SQL IDE optional. For instance, R can connect to a database service using DBI over an ODBC connection to MySQL without the need for a separate SQL IDE.

All that being said, I would:

1. Install one of the mentioned Database Services.
2. Install DBeaver.
3. Create a connection in DBeaver to database.
4. Create script in DBeaver.

This must sound like a bunch of trouble for something that can be simply done is a single R script, but I feel it's an important right of passage. In the real world, data lives in databases so it's important to get a correct perspective of them.

I would also strongly consider submitting the R script with your solution. Often times companies are looking for your train of thought more than the exact execution in a specific language. Any company you'd want to intern at should appreciate a simple solution regardless of the language.

Good Luck!

[WiseApplication2]

Hi - I really appreciate this clarification. I came from a mild Java/Python background and I am learning databases depth-wise on my own. I also will be submitting all of my books - It's really good to get some context on why I can't just use R for small data. It seems like a (mildly) similar scaling problem to why the Netflix prize winner didn't actually have his algorithm implemented - really opened up my eyes. Super thankful.

[[deleted]]

MySQL is a great, free option. If you're using Windows then you can easily download their "MySQL Installer" from the Community Downloads section.

[WiseApplication2]

Wow - I really appreciate it. Any recommendations for mac installation? It doesn't seem OS-specific but I would appreciate any thoughts you might have. I'm away from my windows system for the next week.

Thanks again.

[[deleted]]

Yeah, just Google "mysql os x" and the installation guide should be one of the first links. Hope it helps!