<>Written by the creators of MySQL and edited by one of the most highly respected MySQL authors, the MySQL Administrator's Guide and Language Reference is the official guide to installing MySQL, to setting up and administering MySQL databases, and to storing and retrieving data in these databases. This new edition combines into one book the MySQL Language Reference (on CD) with the practical information of the MySQL Administrator's Guide book. 

 

 

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As I began reading through this Guide, I couldn't help notice immediately how it sets itself apart from similar books. The MySQL Admin Guide has a detail which you will not find anywhere else. Such is to be expected from the company who make the software, and this book certainly shows the high quality of MySQL. After reading through this book, I can't help but agree with Kaj Arno (Vice President Software Engineering, MySQL AB) who is quoted on the back page; "'It is not possible to find a more thorough and more current reference in print, anywhere'". One of the best example I can make of this fact is in Chapter 2 which focuses on Installing MySQL. Not only does this Guide list all the option of a source distribution, all the ins and outs of installing MySQL on all likely platforms - Windows, Mac OS X, NetWare, Linux and other general Unix systems - this guide also deals with Upgrading and Downgrading the most recent version of the MySQL database server. And of course, to ensure that the entire knowledge is in print, Perl installation notes are included too. What other book covers the often troublesome installation process in almost 150 pages of detail?

And that's only the second chapter. Throughout the book you're assured to find comprehensive information straight from the people who know it best. You may think that this book simply offers too much information, and for most people I would have to agree. It is unlikely to bother a system administrator how MySQL server optimizes the WHERE clause, or how to avoid table scans. Even if someone was interested in understanding something like this, they'd have the opportunity of looking at the MySQL Reference Manual online. So why buy the print version? The printed Guide not only allows for offline viewing, it also includes information which has not been included in the Reference Manual, such as how details are stored and the many feature of MySQL's MaxDB. If your not content with only having part of the story, you'll want to get this Guide.

The MySQL Administrator's Guide is the ideal book for system administrators who want to get the most out of their MySQL server. With all the advice on installing, maintaining and administering that you'll ever need to know, this Guide by MySQL AB is ideal for those who long for a comprehensive printed reference.

14 of 17 found the following review helpful:

extensive documentationSep 30, 2004
By W Boudville
With what appears to be stunning speed, the open source relational database known as MySQL has been installed on many thousands of sites. Of course, the cost-free nature is its best selling point. With its rise, so too is the necessity for books like this.

Its bulk should be reassuring. The MySQL company has put a lot of sweat into making the manual as extensive as possible. Not light reading. But the individual sections should be within your grasp, if you have some sysadmin experience. For example, the introductory sections that deal with installations are on a par of complexity comparable to installing GCC or Tomcat. Not a one click installation. Because MySQL offers a lot of configuration options, if you go with a source distribution.

The toughest part may be later, when you have a populated database and you want to optimise it. Unsurprisingly, you will need good prior background in SQL. Take note that this book does not teach you SQL, per se. That is properly the remit of another text.

By the way, the book mentions that (finally) stored procedures are implemented. In version 5. Other database vendors, like IBM and Oracle, have had this ability for years, and have hammered on MySQL for its lack. Here, the book could do with an expanded discussion of how to use these procedures. It just has a cursory note. Hopefully, the next edition will improve on this. Because stored procedures are an important performance optimiser in many large databases.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:

Excellent -- if your running version 5May 18, 2007
By Michael Shavel
This is an excellent book, but it is written for MySql 5. Check your version before buying.

Way Over the Averages Head!Apr 06, 2010
By Z. Hoff
This book is not for the faint at heart. However, it can be useful for the geek. It definitely is not for the beginner. It is dense and steeped in code lines.

If one wants a good beginner book for MySql, PHP and Apache then I recommend Sams Teach Yourself PHP, MySQL and Apache in 24 Hours by Julie C. Meloni (Paperback - Dec. 11, 2002.

It is an older book so it may difficult to find at times, but most of the code is Basic knowledge and easy to follow. If one buys a copy make sure it has the CD in it that can be very helpful.

Good BuyAug 25, 2006
By H. S. Gill "H S Gill"
This is a good book gives out the details in an easy to understand format.

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