Core MySQL - Softcover

Atkinson, Leon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0130661902 ISBN 13: 9780130661906

Publisher: Prentice Hall Ptr, 2001

Synopsis

An expert software developer's guide endorsed by the developer of the relational database package. Atkinson, who discovered the tool in 1997, explains how to design and build enterprise-level systems, and provides example code. He also discusses security, data storage, optimization, distributed databases, and other advanced topics. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

About this title

About the Author

LEON ATKINSON is the author of Core PHP Programming and a columnist for Zend Technologies. He maintains the FreeTrade project, an e-commerce toolkit that uses MySQL and PHP. Atkinson has utilized MySQL for a wide range of Web and e-commerce applications since discovering it in 1997.

Reviewed and endorsed by Michael Widenius, the developer of MySQL.

From the Back Cover

The comprehensive, code-rich MySQL guide for expert developers.

• Contains in-depth explanations and example code for designing and building enterprise-level systems
• Includes advanced coverage of security, data storage, optimization, distributed databases, and other complex topics
• Presented by leading open-source expert Leon Atkinson—author of the best-selling Core PHP Programming

Experienced developers worldwide are choosing MySQL as a low-cost, open-source foundation for their key Web applications. Now, here's a book that gives them all the code and insight they need to build enterprise-class MySQL applications—fast.

Core MySQL starts by introducing the fundamentals of MySQL: SQL queries, database design, normalization, transactions, and concurrency. It then systematically reviews each of MySQL's most important features, and presents efficient techniques for interacting with MySQL databases directly from C, Java, PHP, Perl, Python, and other programming environments. Coverage includes:

• Installing and interacting with MySQL—including a detailed introduction to MySQL's SQL implementation
• Data types, variables, column types, built-in functions, and command-line utilities
• Comprehensive coverage of using MySQL's C API
• MySQL administration, backup, and disaster recovery
• Application optimization and security
• Distributed database development
• Extending MySQL with added functionality
• Building databases that can be transitioned to other database platforms

Thoroughly reviewed by MySQL lead developer Michael Widenius, Core MySQL gives professionals exactly what they've been searching for: an authoritative, thorough, example-rich guide to enterprise-class MySQL application development.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction

It's so hard to choose between two things you love. Both PHP and MySQL have provided years of enjoyable Web application programming, but I wrote first about PHP. Since writing Core PHP Programming, I've seen PHP become immensely popular. Two years later, I finally had the time to write this book. MySQL and PHP are tools that work well together. I hope that you will find this book a valuable companion to my first work.

You may have noticed the MySQL logo on the cover of this book. This represents two important aspects of the book. First, Monty Widenius and Kaj Arnoe personally reviewed the manuscript prior to publication. This ensured the information here is of the highest quality. Second, MySQL AB shares the profits gained through book sales. This means you helped support further development of MySQL by purchasing this book.

Supporting MySQL development through alternative channels is important. You may obtain MySQL under the GNU Public License, which means the monetary cost to you is minimal. Furthermore, and more importantly, you have the right to modify the source and share those modifications with others as long as you obey the rules of the license. While the open-source software model is not new, it has become popular recently. MySQL AB, unlike traditional software companies, cannot rely on sales of shrink-wrapped boxes for income. Because anyone can download and use MySQL for most purposes, MySQL AB remains profitable by providing superior services related to their product.

This book describes relational databases generally and MySQL specifically. I intend for the ideas here to be understandable by any bright, ambitious person. You don't need any prior experience with databases, but you should understand how to use modern computers. Being familiar with installing software and using your computer's command-line shell are two essential skills for learning about MySQL. Having some programming experience will help as well.

My intention is for you to keep this book close by. The middle section is a reference for functions and commands. I put these chapters in the center of the book so it will stay open on your desk. Also, I try to attain an economy of words. A printed book offers the luxury of reading, and rereading, at your own pace, so I seldom repeat myself or overexplain things.

The first part of this book describes relational databases in general. The first chapter introduces databases to readers with no previous experience with them. A discussion of installation and interaction with the server follows. The rest of the first part explores the details of database functionality, including the SQL language.

The second part is a complete reference for the commands and utilities available to MySQL users. This includes information about data types, variables, and operators. In this part, you will find descriptions for every function, SQL command, and utility. The last chapter describes the C API for interacting with MySQL.

The third part surveys several popular programming languages and describes the process of interfacing with a MySQL server. The covered languages are C, C++, Java, Perl, PHP, VBScript, and Python. These chapters assume a certain familiarity with the given programming language.

The final part describes advanced topics. This includes a discussion of MySQL's use of physical resources and how to administrate a server. It also discusses replication, object mapping, and writing your own SQL functions.

This book describes MySQL version 3.23, the most current stable release available when I wrote the book. Several minor versions became available as I wrote, which accounts for variations in some of the figures. By the time you read this introduction, MySQL 4.0 may be declared stable. Accordingly, I've made an effort to note when functionality in 3.23 will change.

Edition details

• Publisher: Prentice Hall Ptr
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0130661902
• ISBN 13: 9780130661906
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 721