MySQL (OTHER NEW RIDERS) (Paperback)

~ Paul DuBois (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The unexpected pleasure of reading books about databases is that they are often written by authors with highly organized minds. Paul DuBois and his editors at New Riders have assembled MySQL with a clarity and lucidity that inspires confidence in the subject matter: a (nearly) freely redistributable SQL-interpreting database client/server primarily geared for Unix systems but maintained for Windows platforms as well. What isn't "free" about MySQL (the application) is its server's commercial use; all clients and noncommercial server use are free. DuBois's tome isn't free either, but its list price is modest in light of its value and the value of its namesake.

The volume is superbly organized into 12 chapters and 10 appendices and contains a concise table of contents and a comprehensive 50-page index. It is peppered with references to the online HTML documentation that comes with the source and binary distributions (which are available and easy to install in stable rpm and tar releases.)

The first third of MySQL is an excellent instruction tool for database newbies; the second third is a detailed reference for MySQL developers; and the last third consists of clearly annotated appendices, including C, Perl (but not Python), and PHP interfaces.

Perhaps as an indication of the collective will of the developers of MySQL, DuBois does not separate Windows 95/98/NT design or development specifics from its main discussions. Platform-independent design is a goal, not a reality, and users will have to rely on newsgroups and mailing lists for details. Moreover, security issues are addressed in a mere 18 pages, a large part of which is devoted to standard Unix file and network-access permissions. Next to nothing is mentioned about defense against common hacking strategies, the use of secure shell interfaces, or access encryption.

Although it is nearly 800 pages in length, DuBois's book is thankfully not encyclopedic. It is a valuable précis of the MySQL database, and its easy-to-skim look and feel will make it an excellent browse for database experts who want to know what is and is not possible within MySQL, the application. --Peter Leopold

From Library Journal

MySql is a very popular relational database for a number of reasons: it is free for most applications; while not open source it is heavily used by the open source community; and it runs easily on Windows and UNIX. The author's approach is to use two sample databases to explain SQL (structured query) databases with Perl, PHP, and C; administering MySql; and security. This book will be very popular with users who already understand relational databases and are trying to move from Microsoft or Oracle to MySql.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 756 pages
• Publisher: New Riders Publishing; 1st edition (December 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735709211
• ISBN-13: 978-0735709218
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (117 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #837,496 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best technical book I've read, October 25, 2000

By A Customer

I read a lot of computer books both as part of my day job (unix sysadmin) and on the side (wrote 2 computer books). Normally I'm not moved to write nice things about the competition, but this book is truly impressive.

The organization of the chapters is logical, proceeding from introductory to advanced topics in clearly defined stages. The author thankfully resisted the current trend of giving the chapters cutesy names that communicate nothing. The writing is clear and concise. The indexing is superb. The coverage of the subject matter is unbelievably complete, encompassing not only MySQL and general database theory, but also almost every other aspect of database programming.

In the six months I've been working with it I've never been unable to find the answer to a MySQL question in this book. Indeed, the Appendices are so good that I have found answers in here when the books I was reading on PHP and the Perl DBI turned out to be wrong.

MySQL is a very impressive achievement in all respects.

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is *THE* Book, January 13, 2000

By	Adam J Foxson - See all my reviews

I have purchased many books on SQL. I USUALLY purchase books (I own over 30) from Oreilly, as I did with their MySql/MSQL book which was absolutely NOTHING in comparison to the MySQL book by Other New Riders. I really must say this book is PERFECT. It covers EVERY major topic. It is SUPERBLY written, both novices and experts alike can easily learn, follow, and understand this book. It's an extraordinarly effective tutorial, learing guide, and reference. It gives clear, easy to follow instructions and examples on everything, and anything you need to do in reguard to databases. I give this book my HIGHEST possible recommendation. This book was worth every single penny I paid for it.

78 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, THE book for MySQL, January 27, 2000

By	Tom Socha (Tempe, AZ) - See all my reviews

Just got the book two days ago and have not put it down except to read "Building Database Applications on the Web Using PHP3." (another great buy.)

I am new to SQL and this book is something worth buying. It is written for both techies and non-techies, and if you have the desire to learn MySQL, buy this book. It is the most concise and well written book on the language ever.

Make sure you block out a chunk of time, because once you start reading, you will not put this book down. It fills the gap where other books fail. The tutorial gets you up to speed very quickly (VERY) and you will be building databases within the first 1/2 hour of opening the book. I buy an average of 5 or so books a week and I guarantee that most of them will be covered with dust before I put this book down.

If you have the desire to learn on your own and want to learn MySQL...

BUY THE BOOK! Don't wait! Sell something if you have to, get a second job. Whatever it takes, you can not be without this book!