What software/data bases do you use to build your systems

I've never built a coded or otherwise electronic system. Most of what I have been doing is just by the general rule of thumb/ writing down a set of criteria to follow. 

Was wondering where I should get started and what the best software/applications to use are. Similarly, I was wondering if anyone simply uses online data and pulls it into excel to manipulate? 

Thanks

I use MariaDB.  It's an SQL database and I scrape a sports website for the daily scores.  Easy to manipulate tons of data easily, but you'd need to learn SQL.  SQL is pretty easy to learn.

I use covers data base with  mlb standings on mlb major leagur site.  I use basket ball reference web site data base along with covers.