Chapter 2: Data Types and Table Types

Overview

As you know, MySQL uses a number of table types. By default, it uses the MyISAM table type, optimized for SELECT speed. Most websites use this table, as websites usually have infrequent INSERT or UPDATE statements and frequent SELECT statements. In this chapter you'll examine all the table types in detail. You've also looked briefly at the various data types in Chapter 1, "Quickstart to MySQL." Here, you'll explore all the data types available to you and learn when to use them.

Featured in this chapter:

• Numeric, string, and date column types

• MySQL command-line options

• Logical, arithmetic, comparison, and bit operators

• Exploring options for connecting to MySQL

• Understanding table types