MySQL: Amazon.ca: Paul DuBois: Books

Product Description

From Amazon.com

The unexpected pleasure of reading books about databases is that they are often written by authors with highly organized minds. Paul DuBois and his editors at New Riders have assembled MySQL with a clarity and lucidity that inspires confidence in the subject matter: a (nearly) freely redistributable SQL-interpreting database client/server primarily geared for Unix systems but maintained for Windows platforms as well. What isn't "free" about MySQL (the application) is its server's commercial use; all clients and noncommercial server use are free. DuBois's tome isn't free either, but its list price is modest in light of its value and the value of its namesake.

The volume is superbly organized into 12 chapters and 10 appendices and contains a concise table of contents and a comprehensive 50-page index. It is peppered with references to the online HTML documentation that comes with the source and binary distributions (which are available and easy to install in stable rpm and tar releases.)

The first third of MySQL is an excellent instruction tool for database newbies; the second third is a detailed reference for MySQL developers; and the last third consists of clearly annotated appendices, including C, Perl (but not Python), and PHP interfaces.

Perhaps as an indication of the collective will of the developers of MySQL, DuBois does not separate Windows 95/98/NT design or development specifics from its main discussions. Platform-independent design is a goal, not a reality, and users will have to rely on newsgroups and mailing lists for details. Moreover, security issues are addressed in a mere 18 pages, a large part of which is devoted to standard Unix file and network-access permissions. Next to nothing is mentioned about defense against common hacking strategies, the use of secure shell interfaces, or access encryption.

Although it is nearly 800 pages in length, DuBois's book is thankfully not encyclopedic. It is a valuable précis of the MySQL database, and its easy-to-skim look and feel will make it an excellent browse for database experts who want to know what is and is not possible within MySQL, the application. --Peter Leopold

From Library Journal

MySql is a very popular relational database for a number of reasons: it is free for most applications; while not open source it is heavily used by the open source community; and it runs easily on Windows and UNIX. The author's approach is to use two sample databases to explain SQL (structured query) databases with Perl, PHP, and C; administering MySql; and security. This book will be very popular with users who already understand relational databases and are trying to move from Microsoft or Oracle to MySql.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Customer Reviews

86 Reviews

5 star:		(68)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
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Average Customer Review

4.7 out of 5 stars (86 customer reviews)

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4.0 out of 5 stars Confusing at first but a good reference, Feb 28 2003

By

thespoonerist - See all my reviews

This review is from: MySQL (Paperback)

Although I had experience with MySQL before reading this book, the format was a bit daunting at first. I think that the book has some great arcane tips and tricks and really breaks down MySQL to a level that anyone can understand (given a little prior programming or internet experience). My only complaint is that while the several chapters devoted to C, PHP, and Perl interacting with MySQL was a good idea, I think that those subjects deserve separate texts in their own right and could not be fully covered in only a chapter or two. They do though, provide a good jumping point for anyone looking to use those languages with MySQL. Overall, a solid reference text which could use some work.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Good description of Mysql, Feb 13 2003

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Michael J. Packard (Columbia, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: MySQL (Paperback)

I found the book to be very good introduction and description of Mysql. I also think the Detailed Command and Data Structure Appendixes are great. Saves my having to open my browser and flip through the manual on-line to figure out how to do something.

The book was also a good introduction on how to think about setting up a database. Probably would need more experience to do something really involved but it helped me think about setting up and Family address application.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Best MySQL Book, Jan 13 2003

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Royal Tenenbaum "antsarecute" (Cambridge, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: MySQL (Paperback)

I bought this book some time ago as a php and mysql developer, to learn MySQL better. It is a very good book because the writer is also the programmer (lead programmer - he wrote the most of it) of MySQL. It contains what you'd expect it to contain: Both the theory and the solid code you'll need in many situations. It also explains uses of MySQL with other languages besides PHP and explains the API's pretty well.

It also has a section on managing MySQL on a webserver, how to backup properly, and MySQL security - not only for the programmer but for the system admin managing users and backups. It also contains a function reference appendix which, when properly used, is quite useful.

It is suitable as an intro level book as well, it DOES explain the basics and IS aimed for the beginner with zero knowledge. It will teach you MySQL but you might have to check some spesific tutorials online for spesific code you might want to use in projects - this book is not a cookbook, I don't think they intended it to be either. All in all, this book deserves its 5 stars - and keep handy Kevin Yank's hands-on applied tutorial to apply it to your projects.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on details about MYSQL
This book have a very understandable language.
Covers all aspects of MySQL and have particular attention on details that are usualy forgothen by authors (how to choose a... Read more

Published on Nov 25 2002 by samad-xpto

4.0 out of 5 stars Great reference and self-training
This book has gotten me out of many sticky situations. It covers the basics and covers many functions/ideas that the other mysql books didn't. Read more

Published on Oct 29 2002 by sam_dlg