SQL Gradebook?

[Anon]

Trying to write a gradebook in mySQL (written several in Excel and some generic spreadsheets, so I know the formulas and such). I need columns for tests, in-class assignments, tests, midterm and final projects, etc., and the ability to add columns for unforseen projects. This is quite simple in a spreadsheet, but does mySQL have the hutzpah to do weighted calculations and such? I know there's an avg() function, but is there a way to calculate 5 grades, weight the average and store that back into the database in any way?
Thanks!
John

[Anon]

first, excel is a spreadsheet and MySQL is a database. These are not the same type of application. Spreadsheets are built to handle math and mostly math only (even though, many use it as a page layout program...). Databases are built to handle... data (doh!) so it can be data of any type.

Yes MySQL can do everything you want and more, but it doesn't work like Excel. it is a lot more work on the front end to do what you want, and you are going to want a graphical front end, probably one you write in PHP. So... the answer to your question is yes, but you don't realize the task ahead of you.

[Anon]

Yep, fully aware Excel is a spreadsheet (stated that in my message). Also know they're totally different (worked with dBase 2, Access, and now SQL and on the spreadsheet side, Excel, and various other generic ones). I actually figured out the rest. Instead of using SQL's math functions, I'm doing all the math in PHP and it's working.

John