Additional Resources

This book aims to tell you virtually everything you'll need to know about MySQL. But if you have a question the book doesn't answer, where should you turn?

Useful resources include the Web sites for the software you need help with:

Package	Primary Web Site
MySQL	http://www.mysql.com/documentation/
Perl DBI	http://dbi.perl.org/
PHP	http://www.php.net/
Apache	http://www.apache.org/
CGI.pm	http://stein.cshl.org/WWW/software/CGI/

These sites contain pointers to various forms of information, such as reference manuals, frequently asked-question (FAQ) lists, and mailing lists:

• Reference manuals. The primary documentation included with MySQL itself is the Reference Manual. It's available in several formats, including an online version. PHP's manual comes in several forms, too. The DBI module and its MySQL-specific driver are documented separately. The DBI document provides general concepts. The MySQL driver document discusses capabilities specific to MySQL.

• FAQs. There are FAQs for DBI, PHP, and Apache.

• Mailing lists. Several mailing lists centering around the software discussed in this book are available. It's a good idea to subscribe to the ones that deal with the tools you want to use. It's also a good idea to use the archives for those lists that have them. When you're new to a tool, you will have many of the same questions that have been asked (and answered) a million times, and there is no reason to ask again when you can find the answer with a quick search of the archives.

Instructions for subscribing to the mailing lists vary, but you can find information at the URLs shown here:

Package	Mailing List Instructions
MySQL	http://www.mysql.com/documentation/
Perl DBI	http://dbi.perl.org/
PHP	http://www.php.net/support.php
Apache	http://www.apache.org/foundation/mailinglists.html

• Ancillary Web sites. Besides the official Web sites, some of the tools discussed here have ancillary sites that provide more information, such as sample source code or topical articles. Check for a "Links" area on the official site you're visiting.

Using the Online MySQL Reference Manual

Be sure to check the online MySQL Reference Manual occasionally for information on the latest improvements to MySQL. The manual is updated continually as changes are made.