How to Get MySQL

MySQL AB, the company that develops and maintains the MySQL database server, distributes MySQL on its Web site: http://www.mysql.com/. Binary distributions for all platforms, installer packages for Mac OS X, and RPMs and source code files for Linux/Unix platforms can be found at the Web site. Additionally, you can purchase boxed versions of the softwarethat is, software in a box and with a printed version of the comprehensive MySQL manualfrom the MySQL AB online store, for a very reasonable price.

By the Way

Linux distribution CDs usually contain some version or another of the open source MySQL software, although these are usually several minor versions that are out of date.

The installation instructions in this chapter are based on the official MySQL 4.0.x distribution from MySQL AB. All files can be downloaded from http://www.mysql.com/downloads/mysql-4.0.html, and the current versions as of the time of writing are also found on the CD included with this book.