Advice on Learning MySQL and MariaDB

        You shouldn’t just read this book. You should install MySQL or MariaDB, try executingthe examples given, and complete the exercises at the end of each chapter. You shouldalso try to do something useful with the software and the SQL statements and functionsdescribed in each chapter. You should use the tools or utilities presented. If you don’tget practical experience, any book like this one will be useless to you. If you’re not surewhat you can do to get practical experience, perhaps you could try to build a websiteusing MySQL or MariaDB. Try to solve some data-related problem with one of thesedatabase systems. Begin to make it part of your life. Then what you’re learning may helpyou immediately in some way. By this method, you will become more excited by whatyou’re learning. You will better learn the basics by using the software from almost thebeginning.
        Another way to learn more, as well as make yourself known in the community and todevelop a business network that could lead to more work and better jobs, is by partic‐ipating in the forums and mailing lists and IRC channels for MySQL and MariaDB. By using what you’re learning to help others, you’ll not only become popular.