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