MySQL & mSQL

Amazon.com

MySQL and mSQL provides the essentials to programming with these two popular Unix freeware database packages in C/C++, Perl, Python, and Java. The book begins with a fine introduction to databases that covers tables, fields, indexes, and normalization. Then it explains the history of the freeware mSQL and MySQL packages (which offer better performance than commercial relational database management system (RDBMS) packages, though they don't support transactions or other features). Next the authors look at SQL as used within MySQL and mSQL and clarify where to download these packages and how to install them. Examples of how to program with MySQL/mSQL in C/C++ follow.

One of the best parts of this book is its introduction to using Common Gateway Interface (CGI) and Perl to power a Web site with a MySQL/mSQL database. This section offers complete information on using mSQL Perl (and the emerging Database Independent [DBI] standard) for developing CGI database scripts in Perl, and it includes clear examples (including a student database). The book then moves from Perl on to other programming languages--Python and Java. Reference material to all the relevant APIs is featured for each language.

Whatever programming API you choose, MySQL and mSQL are ready to meet the needs of the small to moderate-size Web site. This book delivers essential information on these packages and will help both Web masters and programmers get the most out of these powerful freeware database tools. --Richard Dragan/p>

Reviews From AMAZON.COM

Satisfied and a very good reference

I have had this book for 3 years now and it is still on my "easy-access bookshelf". I use MySQL and can't comment on the mSQL portion. I can't claim that it is the best book to learn from, but it was adequate for me at the time...the mere fact that I still use this book so frequently is enough for me to recommend anyone to buy it as a MySQL reference book.

Not Enough Stars!

Do NOT buy any other book on MySQL. You will end up tossing others aside and buying this one. As others have said, chapter 2 gives the absolute best discussion of normalization ever. It is required reading of new staff in my shop. This book is always within arms reach when I am coding. Do yourself a big favor and buy it NOW.