This chapter introduces you to SQL and helps you install two popular (and free) databases for Mac OS X. SQL is a rich language for working with very large data sets, and you are strongly encouraged to look at the following O'Reilly texts for more information:
Database Programming with JDBC and Java, by George Reese
Managing & Using MySQL, by George Reese, Randy Jay Yarger, and Tim King
SQL in a Nutshell, by Kevin Kline
Practical PostgreSQL, by John C. Worsley and Joshua D. Drake
The following chapter uses the MySQL database to build a simple web application.