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Learn2010
Starting Member

12 Posts

Posted - 2013-12-05 : 13:48:49
I have used MS Access for over 20 years. I can do almost anything with it. I am somewhat adept with VBA. I have used SQL to some degree. I know some C#, VB, CSS, HTML, but not enough to do anything with because I have never attempted a project with them. I have used Visual Studio to create databases and play around with the forms. I have a lot of knowledge that I need to bring together.

I would like to build products/services websites with a SQL back-end that vendors and customers can interact with. The front end is my problem. At this point in time, I don’t know exactly where to start or what direction to go in. Everyone I talk to is either trying to sell me something or impress me with how much they know. Can somebody point me in the right direction, or at least tell me how you got started?

Thank you.

James K
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

3873 Posts

Posted - 2013-12-06 : 11:34:03
To create a website with a SQL backend, you would of course need SQL skills, but also skills in web programming using one of the .Net languages (assuming that you are going to use .Net for the front end).

Some or most of your Access skills can port over to SQL Server, but there will be gaps. Your skills with Access SQL should give you a headstart on that.

As for C# or VB.Net, a good book or tutorial which has some real world examples, along with a book on fundamentals of the language would help. C#/VB.Net have lot of features and lot of programming constructs, so the learning curve would be a bit steep there. But, the journey of a 1000 miles starts with the first step, so....

This is a good book: http://www.amazon.com/Pro-ASP-NET-MVC-Adam-Freeman-ebook/dp/B00ACC5YXY

A good book for understanding the fundamentals of .Net:
http://www.amazon.com/CLR-via-C-Developer-Reference/dp/0735667454/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
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Learn2010
Starting Member

12 Posts

Posted - 2013-12-06 : 11:44:15
Thanks. That first step is what I need. I can probably use C#. I just have to use it in a project of my own to make it work. As far as my current question, the first item in your link is ASP NET. I am beginning to see that ASP.Net is probably the first thing to master. Is ASP.Net Web Forms a good place to start?

Thanks again.
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James K
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

3873 Posts

Posted - 2013-12-06 : 14:22:08
I would go with MVC4 (or even MVC5 - but don't know if there are any books available yet). It is much cleaner, and in my opinion, easier to learn and maintain. As I recall, that book actually builds an e-commerce website (I might be wrong on that, but I recall perusing a book that did, and my recollection is that it was Adam Freeman's book).

Another resource that I would suggest, if you can afford it, is Pluralsight. http://www.pluralsight.com/training They have a large number of well-thought out, and in-depth video training on all aspects of programming - databases, web programming, c# etc. In particular, videos by Scott Allen are very good. I think they offer a one week trial where you can view a limited number of hours of training. You might try signing up for the trial at least. If they give you only a limited number of hours during the trial period, pick one of Scott Allen's videos, for example this: http://www.pluralsight.com/training/Courses/TableOfContents/mvc4

We are way off-topic from SQL, so the moderators may not be too pleased. If you want to discuss further, feel free to e-mail me.
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Learn2010
Starting Member

12 Posts

Posted - 2013-12-09 : 06:09:32
Thanks for all your help. I would have gotten back sooner but we had a bit of a snowstorm. I had to leave quickly. With all this help, I hope to return with real questions. I also thank the moderators for their patience.
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