Help choosing database program

HI
We have been let down by several programmers who we have commisioned to build
a database for us.
The database is structured something like this:
After registration details have been filled in,A project form is filled in
online, it can be held in there own storage area for futher editing or
submited to us to be assessed.
We then submit it to the database
After the usual login /registration stuff visitors fill out a search form and
search the database for projects which fit there requirments.
I am a complete newby to programming.Is there a program that can build
databases without having to learn to program code by hand(like dreamweaver
does for websites)
If so which one would you recommend.
Thankyou

milic wrote:

HI
We have been let down by several programmers who we have commisioned to build
a database for us.
The database is structured something like this:
After registration details have been filled in,A project form is filled in
online, it can be held in there own storage area for futher editing or
submited to us to be assessed.
We then submit it to the database
After the usual login /registration stuff visitors fill out a search form and
search the database for projects which fit there requirments.
I am a complete newby to programming.Is there a program that can build
databases without having to learn to program code by hand(like dreamweaver
does for websites)
If so which one would you recommend.
Thankyou

Depending upon how much traffic you get, you could use an Access
database (minimal traffic) or--and this is what I'd recommend--use MS
SQL. You can even start with an access db and convert fairly easily to
ms sql.

You could also used MySQL--a free solution readily available on the web,
but I cannot say if that is easy to use as I've never used it.

Anyway, both Access and MS SQL *can* build dbs via a graphical
interface, but learning SQL isn't that hard. You can download a 6mo
trial of MS SQL Server from Microsoft (you don't say what your OS is or
what kind of web server you are using, so I am assuming Windows and IIS.

If you are using Mac OS, you might want to explore PHP and MySQL on your
installed Apache server)

There are a few books I'd recommend:

Teach Yourself SQL (Sams Publishing by Ben Forta)

Database Design for Mere Mortals (Addison Wesley Publishing by M.J.
Hernandez)
SQL Queries for Mere Mortals (Addison Wesley Publishing by M.J. Hernandez)

Macromedia Dreamweaver MX (or MX 2004) Dynamic Applications (Macromedia
Press, by J. Bardzell)

HTH
--
Donna Casey | Web Designer/Developer/Instructor
TMM Fireworks & Dreamweaver | www.macromedia.com/go/team
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Co-Author | Macromedia Studio MX Bible
Contributor | Dreamweaver MX Magic
Contributor | Fireworks MX Magic

all sql is if files in folders... it's as easy as using my documents with word.
if you need to add/delete/edit folders, you do it in enterprise manger. as
mentioned, you can get a trial copy of this if you want to mess with it, but
beware, if you intend on making changes to the db you have, a mistake can mean
lost informaiton forever. it's best to let people do it that know what they
are doing... though that may mean you with some practice.