The Definitive Guide to MySQL, Second Edition [Paperback]

Michael Kofler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2003 | ISBN-10: 1590591445 | ISBN-13: 978-1590591444 | Edition: 2

This second edition of Michael Kofler's acclaimed MySQL book has updated and expanded to cover MySQL 4.0, the most recent production release of the popular open source database, which boasts more than 4 million users worldwide.

Like the first edition, this revision, which has been renamed to reflect the breadth and depth of Kofler's coverage of the topic, provides a thorough introduction to the installation, configuration, implementation, and administration of MySQL. In addition, Kofler demonstrates how you can use MySQL in conjunction with various other technologies to create database-driven websites, and he gives practical advice on database design. Kofler also covers what's coming up next in MySQL 4.1.

What you’ll learn

Who this book is for

The Definitive Guide to MySQL, Second Edition is an irreplaceable resource for MySQL novices and experts alike.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael Kofler holds a Ph.D. in computer science from Graz Technical University in Austria. He has written a number of successful computer books on topics such as Visual Basic, Visual Basic .NET, and Linux. Michael is the author of The Definitive Guide to MySQL 5, Third Edition and Definitive Guide to Excel VBA, Second Edition from Apress.

Product Details

• Paperback: 824 pages
• Publisher: Apress; 2 edition (October 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590591445
• ISBN-13: 978-1590591444
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.1 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,917,516 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource - one of the best, April 26, 2004

By 

Harold McFarland (Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Definitive Guide to MySQL, Second Edition (Paperback)

Fully updated to include information on MySQL 4.0 and 4.1 "The Definitive Guide to MySQL, Second Edition" is one of the most through and yet easily understandable texts on MySQL available. The author assumes no previous knowledge of SQL or even database theory and design so you really start at the beginning. In fact chapter five, database design, is one of the more lucid explanations of relational databases and design theory that I have read anywhere.

Another item that differentiates this book from others of the same genre is the inclusion of a chapter of SQL recipes. This chapter is basically a cookbook that takes the most common tasks you may need to accomplish with your MySQL database and provides a recipe to accomplish that task.

It includes coverage of InnoDB tables (very important in a multi-user environment) and many other items besides the usual installation, administration, and configuration items you would expect. Of course, if you are writing a MySQL application you will have to use some sort of programming language to write your program. In keeping with the OpenSource theme of the book it includes extensive coverage of PHP, Perl, Java, C, C++, Visual Basic, C#, and ODBC. The book does not pretend to teach any of these programming languages but provides the information to use them with MySQL if you know that particular language. As a regular user of PHP, Perl, Visual Basic, and ODBC connections I found the coverage to be excellent, including everything you need to know to connect to the database and do whatever you need.

The book ends with an excellent reference section, a section on MySQL Tools, and even a section an API reference. In short it is one of the most exhaustive books on the subject and provides everything for a new user as well as complete reference coverage for an experienced user, programmer, or administrator. "The Definitive Guide to MySQL, Second Edition" is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning, administering, or programming MySQL.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for MySQL Developers and Administrators Alike, July 16, 2004

By 

Scott (OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Definitive Guide to MySQL, Second Edition (Paperback)

The Definitive Guide to MySQL is a thorough, yet easy to understand resource for enhancing your database skills and knowledge. This book isn't just another version of the MySQL documentation. It teaches the reader a great deal about relational database design and all of the options to consider beforehand, such as choosing a table type, when and where to use indexes, etc. The book also provides a solid understanding of administering a MySQL installation, exploring such topics as performance tuning, backups, replication, and upgrades.

For those on the programming side, you will find information on creating applications using a wide variety of languages, including PHP, Perl, Java, C++, and Visual Basic, although PHP is the most extensively covered.

Overall, I'd say Michael Kofler did an excellent job on this book. All of the examples and explanations are clear and concise. If you are simply looking for a quick MySQL function reference, stick with the documentation. However, if you want to really learn how to get the most out of MySQL, this book is a must.

3.0 out of 5 stars Don't buy second edition. Buy third edition., November 23, 2010

By 

Howard D. Dolginoff (West Palm Beach, FL) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Definitive Guide to MySQL, Second Edition (Paperback)

Purchasing the second edition of this book was entirely my error. I should have researched the contents before I ordered the book. However, since I ordered the book to research stored procedures and triggers, the book was of no use to me. As soon as I realized my mistake I ordered the third edition. The second edition covers MySQL features through version 4.1 only. If you don't care about stored procedures, triggers and version 5 features, the second edition should do the job for you. Otherwise, order the third edition.