MySQL Tutorial

High Performance MySQL

MySQL Database Design and Tuning

MySQL (3rd Edition) (Developer's Library)

Mysql And Msql

MySQL Administrator's Guide and Language Reference (2nd Edition)

Format: Paperback
Author: MySQL AB
ReleaseDate: 27 April, 2006
Publisher: MySQL Press
Rating:

Well Worth It
I found this guide to be completely invaluable when using MySQL, even before I had downloaded the software. The MySQL Administrator's Guide by MySQL Press is the ultimate reference for anyone installing, upgrading or maintaining the MySQL database server. The Guide uses clear, easy to read, formatting which makes shell instructions stand out from MySQL statements. A detailed index takes no time to show you where in 600 pages your answer lies. And you can bet you'll find the answer in this Guide. Beginners beware, however, this is no introduction to MySQL. Readers should have a clear understanding of their system, along with experience of MySQL, although an insight into MySQL AB and MySQL's history is included in Chapter 1.

As I began reading through this Guide, I couldn't help notice immediately how it sets itself apart from similar books. The MySQL Admin Guide has a detail which you will not find anywhere else. Such is to be expected from the company who make the software, and this book certainly shows the high quality of MySQL. After reading through this book, I can't help but agree with Kaj Arno (Vice President Software Engineering, MySQL AB) who is quoted on the back page; "'It is not possible to find a more thorough and more current reference in print, anywhere'". One of the best example I can make of this fact is in Chapter 2 which focuses on Installing MySQL. Not only does this Guide list all the option of a source distribution, all the ins and outs of installing MySQL on all likely platforms - Windows, Mac OS X, NetWare, Linux and other general Unix systems - this guide also deals with Upgrading and Downgrading the most recent version of the MySQL database server. And of course, to ensure that the entire knowledge is in print, Perl installation notes are included too. What other book covers the often troublesome installation process in almost 150 pages of detail?

And that's only the second chapter. Throughout the book you're assured to find comprehensive information straight from the people who know it best. You may think that this book simply offers too much information, and for most people I would have to agree. It is unlikely to bother a system administrator how MySQL server optimizes the WHERE clause, or how to avoid table scans. Even if someone was interested in understanding something like this, they'd have the opportunity of looking at the MySQL Reference Manual online. So why buy the print version? The printed Guide not only allows for offline viewing, it also includes information which has not been included in the Reference Manual, such as how details are stored and the many feature of MySQL's MaxDB. If your not content with only having part of the story, you'll want to get this Guide.

The MySQL Administrator's Guide is the ideal book for system administrators who want to get the most out of their MySQL server. With all the advice on installing, maintaining and administering that you'll ever need to know, this Guide by MySQL AB is ideal for those who long for a comprehensive printed reference.

extensive documentation
Of course, the cost-free nature is its best selling point. With what appears to be stunning speed, the open source relational database known as MySQL has been installed on many thousands of sites. With its rise, so too is the necessity for books like this.

Its bulk should be reassuring. The MySQL company has put a lot of sweat into making the manual as extensive as possible. Not light reading. But the individual sections should be within your grasp, if you have some sysadmin experience. For example, the introductory sections that deal with installations are on a par of complexity comparable to installing GCC or Tomcat. Not a one click installation. Because MySQL offers a lot of configuration options, if you go with a source distribution.

The toughest part may be later, when you have a populated database and you want to optimise it. Unsurprisingly, you will need good prior background in SQL. Take note that this book does not teach you SQL, per se. That is properly the remit of another text.

By the way, the book mentions that (finally) stored procedures are implemented. In version 5. Other database vendors, like IBM and Oracle, have had this ability for years, and have hammered on MySQL for its lack. Here, the book could do with an expanded discussion of how to use these procedures. It just has a cursory note. Hopefully, the next edition will improve on this. Because stored procedures are an important performance optimiser in many large databases.