Summary: What is MySQL? MySQL is a BDMS developed, distributed and supported by Oracle. As with all data bases; it can function as a tool for everything from personal organization to data mining for a large corporation. Unlike using a list to keep track of information – MySQL uses tables (to separate the types of data) and relationships to link them back together in a way that provides maximum utility. This is done by way of Structured Query Language (SQL); which is the language/code that is used to determine specific types of relationships between the data. Perhaps the best thing about MySQL is that it is an open source program. This means that anyone can access and adjust the program for free. Also, the ability to multi-thread different programs, libraries tools and backends increases the function of this program. This functionability is what makes it so widely used today. As a result of the unencumbered programming that results from being open source – there are several sets of features available for MySQL. . Introduction to MySQL: In the broadest terms – a database is a way to store and retrieve data. This is most efficiently done by using a relational system. A relational database is a structured collection of tables, in which there are key fields and cross reference tables that link the tables together. It is important to have each table be for a specific set of information and let the tables join back together in a report or query. MySQL is widely used by everyone from Facebook to corporations to individuals. MySQL runs on command codes, known as prompts (EX: “u” – specifies that you are giving a login and “;” to stop a command). To create a table using the MySQL prompts would be: CREATE TABLE, followed by pert ant information. One thing to keep in mind is that the code is case sensitive. To inquire about data from an existing base – you would use the “SELECT” function, followed by pertinent information (EX: SELECT * FROM students WHERE name = “Joe;” Remember that the “;” is important, as it signifies the end of the command. You can also pull records based on numeric value (EX: SELECT sid, name FROM students WHERE GPA >= 3.5;”. The functions of the SQL language are too many to name but, it is important to note that this language will enable you to create a database that is suited to your needs. . Big Data: Net Tricks for Econometrics: As computing power changes, so does our ability to analyses data. Classical methods of data analyses, such as the multiple linear regression models may not always be sufficient for the amount of data and variable that we are able to capture today. Not only are classical methods becoming antiquated but, also are the relatively new DBMS’s. A solution to this in NoSQL. NoSQL is a system that focuses less on the ability to manipulate the data but, is able to handle large amounts of it. This fits the needs of many modern day companies such as Google and Facebook. With this much data available; the shear amount becomes an issue. There are several programs that work in conjunction with the DBMS to “cleanse” the data; thus making it more palatable to produce reports for predictions, summarizations, estimations and hypothesis testing. In conjunction with the programs; there are several new methods for analyzing data that differ from the classical linear models. Some of these are CART, random forest and LASSO. Considering the NoSQL model has little data manipulation ability and fact that there is so much data to analyst – this fits perfectly with the technology of machine learning; in which extensive testing is done to ensure models that perform well outside of the test data sample. Additionally, all of this works sell with the discipline of economics; as it has so much data and so many variables. The future is bright for bid data. As computer generated representations of our lives continue to grow exponentially, so will the need for a solid understanding of big data. Whether it is business, personal, economical or geopolitical – big data affects our work and will continue to do so.