To develop an understanding of MySQL, it is best to start with some basic background knowledge. First and foremost MySQL is a RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) that runs on a server. It is capable of operating independently or with a web application running a scripting language, like PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) or JSP (JavaScript). It is actually the most popular RDBMS used to manage databases.
MySql Options
Before downloading a version of MySQL, it is very important to know that there are many different editions. Oracle, the current owners of this RDBMS provide many MySQL Editions for users. There is the MySQL Enterprise Edition, MySQL Standard Edition, MySQL Classic Edition, MySQL Community Edition, MySQL Cluster CGE and MySQL as an Embedded Database. To get started, I would recommend you start with the MySQL Community Edition. It is an open source and a free downloadable version of MySQL. This means that everyone has access to the source materials.
MySQL Compatible Operating Systems
One of the great things about MySql is that you can install it on many operating systems. It is compatible with Linux OS (Operating Systems), Macintosh (Mac) OS, Microsoft Windows, Solaris, Ubuntu and many others. Each operating system, have different procedures for installing MySQL. So before you begin to install MySQL on your system, check the MySQL downloads available that pertain to your operating system.
MySQL Capabilities
MySQL is capable of managing and creating databases. You can also modify database tables, update and insert data into these tables, among other options. To perform these functions, MySQL uses a predefined syntax. This syntax utilizes data types and values to create statements. These statements when executed will perform an operation within the database, that was previously created. It is paramount that a database is created before executing any statements. It is not possible to perform any actions related to a database, without the existence of one.
Basic MySQL Data Types
In order for you to create a database in MySQL, you should have some basic understanding of some of the data types. Three of the most frequently used data types in MySql are numeric data types, string data types and date and time data types. If you understand these data types you are capable of managing your database efficiently. Some basic numeric data types are INT (for integer), DOUBLE, and FLOAT. Some string data types are CHAR, VARCHAR, and TEXT. Then there is the date and time data type that provides the date and time. Some of the popular ones are DATE, TIME and DATETIME. These data types are used to create statements to manage tables within the database, as well as to manage the database itself. These data types are key to understanding and writing MySQL statements. Even though there are many other data types, these ones are the most popular.
This background information is just a stepping-stone to understanding some basic concepts in MySql. If you want to fully understand this RDBMS, it is best to immerse yourself in a simple MySQL tutorial.
MySQL Tutorial, The Comprehensive MySQL Tutorial Online, MySqltutorial.org
