Introduction

MySQL is a powerful relational database-management system that supports a richly featured SQL language. It's fast, easy to use, andbest of allavailable for free!

MySQL is a very popular choice for web development because of its close relationship with PHP. Many companies provide MySQL as part of a standard web-hosting deal, so you might already have access to MySQL without needing to install any software.

Sams Teach Yourself MySQL in 10 Minutes is designed to help you get a handle on MySQL quickly and easily through a series of step-by-step lessons.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is for you if any (or all) of the following apply:

• You're new to MySQL.

• You want to quickly learn how to be productive with a MySQL database.

• You want to learn how to use MySQL for your own applications.

How This Book Works

Sams Teach Yourself MySQL in 10 Minutes is divided into 25 lessons that gradually build on one another. By the end of the book, you should have a solid understanding of MySQL and know how to use it in a variety of real-world situations.

Each lesson is written in simple steps so that you can quickly grasp the overall concept and put it into practice. The lessons are also designed to stand alone so that you can jump directly to particular topics as needed.

Online Support Files and Appendixes

The sample database used in Sams Teach Yourself MySQL in 10 Minutes can be downloaded from the Sams Publishing website, at http://www.samspublishing.com/. You can install this database on your own MySQL server to follow every example in the book. There are also four bonus appendixes that can be downloaded from the Sams Publishing website: Appendix C, "SQL Syntax Reference," Appendix D, "MySQL Datatype Reference," Appendix E, "Configuration Reference," and Appendix F, "MySQL Reserved Words."

Conventions Used in This Book

This book uses different typefaces to differentiate between SQL code and other content.

SQL code is presented using monospace type. Bold text indicates user input.

A Note presents pertinent pieces of information related to the surrounding discussion.

A Caution advises you about potential problems that involve MySQL or its implementation.

A Tip offers advice or demonstrates an easier way to do something.