Hey folks, I’m a newbie trying to set up a database for my electronic parts. I’ve got no coding background and just learned about MySQL today. It’s for personal use only.
I want to make a simple system to track my components. Like for resistors, I’d store stuff like:
Through-hole or SMD
Resistance value
Type (carbon, metal film, variable)
Part number
Stock quantity
I need this for hundreds of different parts. I want to add, remove, search, and sort easily. A spreadsheet seems too messy for this.
Is MySQL overkill? I’ve started learning MySQL with Python and got a server running, but I’m worried I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.
Should I stick with MySQL or try something else? Is Python good for this or is there an easier way?
As someone who’s been in your shoes, I’d suggest giving Microsoft Access a shot. It’s part of the Office suite, so you might already have it. I found it pretty intuitive for building a parts database without heavy coding.
I use it for my own electronics inventory, and it’s been a lifesaver. You can create tables for different component types, set up forms for easy data entry, and run queries to find what you need fast. The best part? You can design custom reports to track stock levels or generate shopping lists.
One tip: start simple with just the basics, then gradually add more features as you get comfortable. It’s powerful enough to grow with your needs but not as overwhelming as full-blown SQL databases. Plus, if you ever need to scale up, you can always migrate your data later.
hey jackwolf69, mysql seems a bit too heavy. have u considered sqlite? it runs off a single file and doesn’t need server set up. python’s got built-in support for it. might be easier for a personal parts list. hope that helps!
For a hobbyist electronics inventory, I’d recommend using a tool like Airtable. It’s a user-friendly database solution that doesn’t require coding knowledge. You can create custom fields for each component type, easily add and edit entries, and use its built-in sorting and filtering features. It also offers a mobile app, which is handy for quick updates while working on projects. I’ve been using it for my own parts inventory for a couple of years now, and it’s been a game-changer for organizing my components. The free tier should be more than sufficient for your needs, and you can always upgrade later if necessary.
ever tried notion? it’s pretty cool for organizing stuff. u can make databases, link things together, and it’s got a nice interface. i use it for my electronics projects and it works great. plus, it’s free for personal use. might be worth checking out!