Before embarking upon the MySQL section, chapters 22 and 23 address some ‘bridging’ material. Chapter 22 discusses database servers and alternatives - specifically, a pared-down version of MySQL, referred to as SQLite, for the technologically timid.
Chapter 23 briefly introduces the reader to database extraction layer software and options for those wishing to use database software other than those that are usually employed, so that they know there is some choice, albeit limited. At this point things were admittedly starting to get confusing for me, but a clear diagram explains how all these elements are connected to get your web page up and running. This helps to put everything in context.
Finally, we can tackle MySQL, a relational database server. There is extensive discussion on why MySQL has become so popular; it should be easy for those who have used other databases, its availability in several platforms, emphasis on speed as opposed to lots of features that generally go ignored but best of all, it’s free and easily accessible by download.
After this introduction, it is straight into installation and configuration, and licencing issues. Assuming that there have been no problems in this area, we are then introduced to some basic commands to get your fingers dirty in MySQL. From chapter 26, it begins to get complicated but still approachable for the novice – it covers local and remote connection to your server, clients and utilities that provide interfaces for the execution of server administration tasks, various connection options available.
Chapter 27 discusses MySQL storage engines and datatypes – what ones exist and what relational database table (storage engine) one can use to store and organise information. It also highlights key tasks in database management and navigation. What follows is security when accessing MySQL. In chapter 29 there is an excellent five-part checklist of essential tasks to be performed after installing and configuring MySQL. Provided you read through this section carefully, this should present no trouble.
Lastly, some useful things on PHP’s MySQL extension and suggestions on how to protect your information and connection. Most of this chapter is devoted to the various commands and processes one can choose to execute once a database is selected.
Article comments
1 - Jason Gilmore
Just wanted to thank you for reviewing my book!!! :-)
Jason
2 - Snarkattack
A pleasure Jason! It was nice to look through a computer manual that didn't talk down to complete tech dorks like myself. Makes me think there's hope yet!