MySQL Cookbook (Paperback)

by Paul DuBois (Author)
Key Phrases: using multiple tables, sorting query results, template system, Solution Use, Processing Web Input, Van Gogh (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Good programming--which is to say, programming that yields both efficient code and a profitable life for the programmer--depends on not reinventing the wheel. If someone else has solved the problem you're facing (and someone almost always has), you'd be foolish to waste your energy figuring out your own solution. MySQL Cookbook presents solutions to scores of problems related to the MySQL database server. Readers stand a good chance of finding a ready-made solution to problems such as querying databases, validating and formatting data, importing and exporting values, and using advanced features like session tracking and transactions. Paul DuBois has done a great job assembling efficient solutions to common database programming problems, and teaches his readers a lot about MySQL and its attendant APIs in the process.

DuBois organizes his cookbook's recipes into sections on the problem, the solution stated simply, and the solution implemented in code and discussed. The implementation and discussion sections are the most valuable, as they contain the command sequences, code listings, and design explanations that can be transferred to outside projects. The main gripe readers will have about MySQL Cookbook is that the author, in his effort to cover the range of MySQL-friendly programming languages, uses different languages in his solutions to various problems. You'll see a Perl solution to one programming challenge (Perl, in fact, is the most frequently used language, followed by PHP), a Python fix for the next, and a Java sample after that. Readers have to hope that they find a solution in the language they're working with, or that they're able to transliterate the one DuBois has provided. It's usually not a big problem. --David Wall

Topics covered: How to make MySQL databases do your bidding--in terms of queries, table manipulation, data formatting, transactions, and Web interfaces--through the database server's command line interfaces and (more importantly) through the MySQL APIs of Perl, PHP, Java, and Python. Particularly excellent coverage deals with formatting dates and times, management of null values, string manipulation, and import/export techniques.

Review
"...MySQL Cookbook tells you exactly how to solve literally hundreds of problems that you are likely to encounter in getting a MySQL database solution up and running." - Computer Trade Shopper, November 2003

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Product Details

• Paperback: 1022 pages
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Inc.; 1st edition (November 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0596001452
• ISBN-13: 978-0596001452
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #367,862 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only MySQL book needed for programming my web sites, December 9, 2004

By	David L. Hickman - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I built several web sites using PHP/MySQL and the only two books I use day-to-day are "MySQL Cookbook" and "PHP Cookbook".

If you're already somewhat familiar with MySQL, this book is a great reference for the SQL and database manipulation you already know how to do. In addition, the examples push the envelope of what is possible with MySQL making it a good learning tool for becoming truly expert.

Some of the information in the book I found useful includes:

- simplifying complex SQL using temporary tables.

- using FULLTEXT searches (similar to pattern matching but more efficient and easier to code when you're looking for the same text in several columns at the same time).

- effective use of LEFT JOIN's for finding rows in one table that don't have a match in another table.

- effective use of LAST_INSERT_ID( fieldName + 1 ) for transactionally updating a numeric field without using transactions and without locking a table.

- numbering output rows using SQL variables (select @rownum := @rownum + 1; (see chapter 13.9))

I really can't say enough good things about this book. It's comprehensive, easy to read and just plain awesome.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Hand-on guide to MySQL, May 20, 2003

By A Customer

There are many databases out there. MySQL is one of the better ones. It's a free (for personal use) database system which can be easily integrated into a web application on virtually any system. It has supports most of the standard feature found in most database system and has quiet a few features unique to MySQL. This particular book is a good reference for the experienced user as well as for new comers and as an added bonus even covers MySQL 4.0.

This is book was my first introduction to O'Reilly's cookbook series. It provides solutions to some of the most common challenged faced by the particular subject being covered (in this case MySQL). I thoroughly enjoyed it and was quiet impressed with it. Too many technical books simply introduce the concept without relating it to real world applications.

This particular book introduces all of the most basic concepts of database manipulation (table creation, data insertion, data deletion, data update). As well as writing simple and advanced SQL statements to retrieve data. It approaches database design using 4 of the most popular languages (Perl, PHP, Python and Java). These are only a few of the many possible languages which can be used to manipulate a MySQL database.

MySQL cookbook touches on a variety of different topics which I don't have the space or time to cover in detail, but here is a list of them:

* Handeling duplicates
* MySQL on the Web
* Processing Web input with MySQL
* Using MySQL-based Web Session Management

One of my favorite topics covered in the book is the idea of storing binary data such as images within a database. Although not ideal for most cases (unless you need fast access to a vast array of images), just the idea of it has a certain kewlness effect.

Well, overall I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It needs to touch slightly more on the basic concepts of databases, and it can become the only book you'll ever need for MySQL.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a nice addition to O'Reilly's Cookbook series, April 13, 2003

By	"dsimpson1" (Fremont, CA) - See all my reviews

As an experienced Oracle DBA I had a need to learn about MySQL for the development of the FmPro Migrator utility to migrate FileMaker databases to MySQL. This book enabled me to quickly learn how to perform tasks in MySQL which are equivalent to what I would perform with Oracle. Congratulations to O'Reilly and Paul DuBois for continuing the fine tradition of Cookbook series books.