Introduction to MySQL databases

MySQL is a widely used relational database management system for SQL databases. A database management system allows you to add, access, and retrieve data stored in a SQL database.

A relational database stores data in separate tables rather than in one table. This adds speed and flexibility in accessing and retrieving data. The tables are linked by defined relations making it possible to combine data from several tables on request.

About the MySQL database server

The MySQL Database Server is very fast, reliable, and easy to use. Its architecture makes it extremely fast and easy to customize. The MySQL Server is designed to handle large databases and has been successfully used in highly demanding production environments. Its connectivity, speed, and security make MySQL Server highly suited for accessing databases on the Internet.

Some of the key features of the MySQL database server are:

1. Portability

2. Works on a range of platforms enabling you to port your databases across different operating environments

3. Provides APIs for C, C++, Eiffel, Java, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby, and Tcl allowing you to write programs using any of these applications

4. Possesses parallel processing capability; multiple CPUs can be used to process data faster and more efficiently

2. Security

3. A secure password system that is very flexible, and allows host-based verification. Passwords are secure because all password traffic is encrypted when you connect to a server.

3. Scalability

4. Efficient in handling large databases. You can create databases with more than 50,000 tables.

If your service provider has enabled MySQL for your site, you can:

• Connect to the PHPMyAdmin MySQL interface to manage your SQL databases

• Change your MySQL password

• View the list of databases for a site

• Create databases

• Important: The control panel creates a random MySQL password when it creates a site with MySQL support. You must reset the MySQL password when you log onto the Site Administrator control panel for the first time. This is important so that your MySQL password is not invalidated when you install the script packages enabled for the site.

For more information about using the PHPMyAdmin MySQL Administration Tool, see www.PHPWizard.net.

For more information about working with MySQL databases, see www.mysql.com.