The unexpected pleasure of reading books about databases is that they are often written by authors with highly organized minds. Paul DuBois and his editors at New Riders have assembled MySQL with a clarity and lucidity that inspires confidence in the subject matter: a (nearly) freely redistributable SQL-interpreting database client/server primarily geared for Unix systems but maintained for Windows platforms as well. What isn't "free" about MySQL (the application) is its server's commercial use; all clients and noncommercial server use are free. DuBois's tome isn't free either, but its list price is modest in light of its value and the value of its namesake. The volume is superbly organized into 12 chapters and 10 appendices and contains a concise table of contents and a comprehensive 50-page index. It is peppered with references to the online HTML documentation that comes with the source and binary distributions (which are available and easy to install in stable rpm and tar releases.)
The first third of MySQL is an excellent instruction tool for database newbies; the second third is a detailed reference for MySQL developers; and the last third consists of clearly annotated appendices, including C, Perl (but not Python), and PHP interfaces.
Perhaps as an indication of the collective will of the developers of MySQL, DuBois does not separate Windows 95/98/NT design or development specifics from its main discussions. Platform-independent design is a goal, not a reality, and users will have to rely on newsgroups and mailing lists for details. Moreover, security issues are addressed in a mere 18 pages, a large part of which is devoted to standard Unix file and network-access permissions. Next to nothing is mentioned about defense against common hacking strategies, the use of secure shell interfaces, or access encryption.
Although it is nearly 800 pages in length, DuBois's book is thankfully not encyclopedic. It is a valuable précis of the MySQL database, and its easy-to-skim look and feel will make it an excellent browse for database experts who want to know what is and is not possible within MySQL, the application. --Peter Leopold
The Definitive Guide to Using, Programming, and Administering MySQL 5.0 and 5.1
MySQL is an open source relational database management system that has experienced a phenomenal growth in popularity and use. Known for its speed and ease of use, MySQL has proven itself to be particularly well-suited for developing database-backed websites and applications.
In MySQL, Paul DuBois provides a comprehensive guide to using and administering MySQL effectively and productively. He describes everything from the basics of getting information into a database and formulating queries, to using MySQL with PHP or Perl to generate dynamic web pages, to writing your own programs that access MySQL databases, to administering MySQL servers.
The fourth edition of this bestselling book has been meticulously revised and updated to thoroughly cover the latest features and capabilities of MySQL 5.0, as well as to add new coverage of features introduced with MySQL 5.1.
“One of the best technical books I have read on any subject.”
–Gregory Haley, C Vu, The Association of C & C++ Users
“A top-notch user’s guide and reference manual, and in my opinion, the only book you’ll need for the daily operation and maintenance of MySQL databases.”
–Eugene Kim, Web Techniques
Introduction 1
Part I: General MySQL Use
Chapter 1: Getting Started with MySQL 13
Chapter 2: Using SQL to Manage Data 101
Chapter 3: Data Types 201
Chapter 4: Stored Programs 289
Chapter 5: Query Optimization 303
Part II: Using MySQL Programming Interfaces
Chapter 6: Introduction to MySQL Programming 341
Chapter 7: Writing MySQL Programs Using C 359
Chapter 8: Writing MySQL Programs Using Perl DBI 435
Chapter 9: Writing MySQL Programs Using PHP 527
Part III: MySQL Administration
Chapter 10: Introduction to MySQL Administration 579
Chapter 11: The MySQL Data Directory 585
Chapter 12: General MySQL Administration 609
Chapter 13: Access Control and Security 699
Chapter 14: Database Maintenance, Backups, and Replication 737
Part IV: Appendixes
Appendix A: Obtaining and Installing Software 777
Appendix B: Data Type Reference 797
Appendix C: Operator and Function Reference 813
Appendix D: System, Status, and User Variable Reference 889
Appendix E: SQL Syntax Reference 937
Appendix F: MySQL Program Reference 1037
Note: Appendixes G, H, and I are located online and are accessible either by registering this book at informit.com/register or by visiting www.kitebird.com/mysql-book.
Appendix G: C API Reference 1121
Appendix H: Perl DBI API Reference 1177
Appendix I: PHP API Reference 1207
Index 1225
