The Stroz

MySQL Basics: Seek and You Shall SELECT—Retrieving Data from Your Tables
MySQL Basics: Seek and You Shall SELECT—Retrieving Data from Your Tables

Congratulations, data explorer! Your library is open for business, the shelves are organized, and the tables are finally filled with real, tangible data—authors, books, and eager readers galore. But what if you want to see what’s actually on those digital shelves? Enter the mighty SELECT statement: SQL’s super-powered magnifying glass that lets you find, browse, and admire your collection. Today, you’ll learn the library magic of peeking inside your tables, minus the dust and overdue notices.

Oct 07, 2025
5 minutes
MySQL Basics: Change Is Good—Updating and Deleting Table Data
MySQL Basics: Change Is Good—Updating and Deleting Table Data

Welcome back, data explorers! So far, you’ve built your digital library with MySQL: empty shelves have become bustling tables, and eager students (or books, or even pizza lovers) have taken their seats with INSERT statements. But what happens when someone spells their name “Alcie” instead of “Alice,” or a graduate heads off to bigger adventures? Sooner or later, your library’s roster needs to be tidied up or trimmed down. Today, you’ll learn how to update the facts and clear out the clutter—the right way!

Oct 02, 2025
5 minutes
MySQL Basics: Filling the Gaps—Inserting Data into Your Tables
MySQL Basics: Filling the Gaps—Inserting Data into Your Tables

Welcome back, adventurous data explorer! So far, you’ve designed your very own digital library, built sturdy shelves (tables), and labeled each cubby just so. But a library with empty shelves is just a stylish storage unit. Today, we dive into the real fun: bringing your tables to life with data! Before you can ask your database questions, analyze trends, or show off with fancy charts, you need to start filling those blank spaces. Let’s learn how to insert records into your MySQL tables—no white gloves or library “shhh” required.

Sep 30, 2025
4 minutes
MySQL Basics: Table Manners – Setting up Your First Schema and Table
MySQL Basics: Table Manners – Setting up Your First Schema and Table

Welcome, data explorers, to the grand dining hall of MySQL, where today you get your first taste of hands-on creation! You’ve learned about library metaphors, database magic, and why MySQL is the world’s super-organized librarian. Now, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and set the table—well, the database table—for the feast ahead. By the end of this adventure, you’ll have crafted your first schema (database) and table, and you’ll be ready to host your own collection of library records and facts.

Sep 25, 2025
5 minutes
MySQL Basics: Getting TYPE-cast – Choosing the Right Data Type for the Job
MySQL Basics: Getting TYPE-cast – Choosing the Right Data Type for the Job

When you design a database, one of the first big decisions is how you want to store each piece of data. Think of MySQL data types as the basic building materials for your database: concrete for foundations, glass for windows, wood for bookshelves. If you pick the right material for each job, everything fits together perfectly and stands the test of time. Use the wrong material, though, and you might end up trying to hold up a bridge with paper or keep soup in a basket—disaster (and confusion) ahead!

Sep 23, 2025
5 minutes
MySQL Basics: Into the Shell—Cracking Open Your Database Journey
MySQL Basics: Into the Shell—Cracking Open Your Database Journey

Welcome back, data explorer! You now know the basics of MySQL’s structure. But how do you actually step into this wonderland of tables and data? That’s where the MySQL Shell comes in—think of it as your trusty librarian, always ready to fetch books, organize sections, or gently shush unruly queries.

Sep 18, 2025
3 minutes
MySQL Basics: Understanding the Building Blocks of Databases
MySQL Basics: Understanding the Building Blocks of Databases

Welcome to your journey into the world of MySQL! If you’ve ever wondered about the invisible engine powering your favorite apps, managing your music playlist, or keeping track of your pizza orders, you’re about to discover one of the most trusted tools working behind the scenes: MySQL. Databases, like MySQL, are the unsung heroes of modern technology—they’re responsible for storing, organizing, and retrieving data efficiently, ensuring that nothing (not even your favorite mushroom topping) slips through the cracks. MySQL is like a super-organized library that helps you find exactly what you need, when you need it, all without misplacing a single “book” in the process.

Sep 16, 2025
4 minutes
More GenAI Fun
More GenAI Fun

Alright, fantasy football fanatics, buckle up because I’m about to blow your mind! 🏈

Sep 03, 2025
4 minutes
Milestone Achieved: Breaking the 300 Barrier
Milestone Achieved: Breaking the 300 Barrier

When I wrote about losing my first 50 pounds back in June, I knew I was on the right track, but I honestly wasn’t sure how much further I could push myself. Well, I’m thrilled to report that consistency and persistence have paid off in ways I never imagined. As of this week, I’ve officially lost over 80 pounds, and for the first time in nearly 20 years, I’m below 300 pounds. For those who can’t do math, that means when I started this weight loss journey, I had ballooned to 380 lbs.

Sep 02, 2025
5 minutes
A Fun Use of AI
A Fun Use of AI

I’ll admit it. I was a late adopter of AI tools. I didn’t see the value in them at first, but over time, I’ve come to appreciate their potential. One area where AI is handy is in writing emails for my golf league.

Jul 15, 2025
4 minutes