How to Use This Book

This book is divided into four parts. If you're new to databases, the best place to start is Part I, "Using MySQL," and specifically Chapter 1, "Quickstart to MySQL," which eases novice users into the world of SQL. Readers experienced in other database management systems may want to give Chapter 1 a quick read to familiarize themselves with the way MySQL does things, before exploring the MySQL data and table types in detail in Chapter 2, "Data Types and Table Types." Readers of an intermediate level can start with Chapter 3, "Advanced SQL," and Chapter 4, "Indexes and Query Optimization," which look at advanced SQL, indexes, and optimization. Readers wanting to use a programming language with MySQL should read Chapter 5, "Programming with MySQL," and also look at the appendix relevant to their language. Chapter 6, "Extending MySQL," is for those readers who understand MySQL and want to add their own functions to it.

Readers without formal database design knowledge will benefit from Part II, "Designing a Database," which covers the often-ignored database design issues required for developing large-scale databases.

Any readers wanting to administer MySQL will benefit from Part III, "MySQL Administration," which progresses from the basics for new users to the advanced issues for optimizing high-performance databases. It also explains backups, replication, security, and installation.

Finally, you should turn to the appendixes when you need MySQL SQL, function, and operator references, as well as references to the database functions and methods used by most popular programming languages.

All sample code is available for download at www.sybex.com.