MySQL is a relational database. It uses tables and columns to hold data that can be related by keys. It

is well suited for this role.

It is also very well suited for various architectures. It can be used in a strictly client/server architecture or

as a standalone database. Whatever your needs, MySQL can suit them.

Today, you learned about the main features of MySQL. You learned that it is multithreaded and ANSI

SQL92 compliant. You also read about the various platforms and APIs that MySQL can use.

Finally, you learned that MySQL is free in most cases (check the MySQL Web site at http://www.mysql.com

for licensing rules). This is hard to believe for such a robust, flexible, and fast RDBMS as MySQL.

Q&A

Q. My mother always said you get what you pay for. If MySQL is so great,

why is it so cheap?

A.

This is a belief most Americans share. If something is cheap, it isn't any

good. For some things this is true, but in the case of MySQL it is not.

MySQL is part of the Open Source Movement. It was created by a group of

developers who continue to develop on their own time, mostly for free. This

allows users to enjoy a truly great product for little or no cost.

Q. If MySQL is everything you say that it is, why haven't I heard about it?

A.

MySQL has not enjoyed the popularity of some database products because

it does not have a huge company backing it. It was developed by a

consulting firm for a client. The firm did not market it. The only reason

MySQL has gained popularity now is because of the Open Source

Movement and Linux. Hopefully, with this book and the strength of the

product, more people will come to enjoy the benefits of MySQL.

Exercises

1. Compare the prices of several other databases that have the same feature set as
   MySQL. These would include SQL Server, Oracle, Adaptive Server, and DB2. See
   how much MySQL is really worth.


2. Go to Web sites or test some products that use MySQL. (Some are included on the
   CD-ROM). Seeing MySQL in action can really change one's mind on open source
   products.

Day 2: Getting Started

Overview

Today, you will learn about installing MySQL on the Linux and Windows platforms. You will read about
licensing MySQL, as well as where you can get MySQL. You will also learn how to change the root
password. You will learn about starting and stopping the MySQL server daemon, as well as how to use the
command-line–based MySQL monitor.

Licensing

Now that you know what MySQL is and how it fits into the workplace, you can get started working with it. As
was stated before, MySQL is an open source application. The source code is available for anyone to view
and modify. However, it is not free in all cases. If you use MySQL for personal, nonprofit use, it is absolutely
free on any non-Microsoft platform. However, a license is required if you sell it directly or as part of another
service. This means that if you perform services on a MySQL database, the database you are performing
services on must be licensed. The current fee (as of this writing) is $200. This is a steal considering the
functionality, capability, and speed of this database. The money goes to further development of the product. I
strongly recommend visiting site (www.mysql.com) and reading the licensing requirements.

Downloading MySQL

After you have determined whether or not you need to license your version of MySQL, you are ready to
download it. At the MySQL Web site, go to Downloads. You will see a list of currently available binary and
source code versions of MySQL for a multitude of platforms. Also, for your convenience, various MySQL