MySQL

An introduction to MySQL.

What is a database?

A database is a place on a server where data can be collected and organized so that it can be accessed easily for the purpose of updating it or outputting the contents onto a web page. Your site will interact with the database by executing "queries" - statements to insert, update, or retrieve information.

What is MySQL?

MySQL is a popular, free, open-source database. The great part is that 99% of the time you get a hosting package MySQL comes free and is ready-to-go. The MySQL tutorials on this site assume that you already have MySQL installed on the server you are using so there is no need to learn how to install MySQL on a server.

Why MySQL?

Well, if you are simply creating a brochure site for your small business that will only have 1 or 2 pages then you probably won't need a database but anyone creating a sizable web site will need a database to collect and organize information or to show content more efficiently. If you are one of those people then you will need a database. The greatest thing about MySQL (other than being free) is that it interacts with PHP so well. PHP is the most opoular scripting language so using PHP and MySQL together allow you to efficiently create dynamic web sites. And MySQL is easy to learn because the syntax is pretty intuitive. And because it is such a widely-used application it is easy to get high-quality free help from helpful people on web forums whenever you have any questions. Most hosting packages that come with MySQL also come with MySQLadmin which is an "administrative program" which allows you to carry out database functions with much ease.

Setting Up A Database

When you get your hosting package you are given the ability to create databases but usually they aren't created for you so the first thing you need do it create a database. It is easy. Most of the time this is done by logging into the admin section of your hosting package and giving it a name. After you create the database your admin section will show you the address of the database. This is similar to a web site address and it will look something like "MySQL15.yourhost.com". After you have the database name and address you will create a username and password for the database so you can accesses it.

Most hosting companies come with a database admin program that lets you interact with the database. The most popular of these program is phpMyAdmin. After you have your database set up I recommend you log onto phpMYadmin and play around with it after you read the rest of these tutorials.