Mysql Newbe 1

[Rene1024]

Hello,

I don't know anything about mysql, but I would like to start learning.

Can someone tell me what I need to get started. I've been to the mysql website, but I'm still having difficulty understanding the mysql client server concept.

Is there a gui client that I can use to connect to the mysql server and create and administer tables, queries etc.?

Thanks.

Rgds.

Rene

 

[TonyGroves]

First, you need to download the current stable version of MySQL (either the Full or Essential version will do the job), which includes the server and a command-line client. You install this on whichever computer you want your databases stored on.

Then you want a GUI client, which you would install on whichever computer you will be working at, probably the same computer you installed the server on. You have several choices:
(1) MySQL Administrator (for administration work) and MySQL Query Browser (for database queries). These can be downloaded from the MySQL site.
(2) MySQL Control Centre, from the MySQL site. This program is now discontinued in favour of the two previous ones, but is still very good.
(3) The MySQL ODBC connector. This enables you to connect to the database from any ODBC-aware application, like OpenOffice.org, MS Access, or custom-built applications.

You might also want to download the MySQL manual. Its PDF version can be printed, but it's about 1500 pages of heavy-duty technical information. You could also invest in a book on MySQL; there are several, but the favourite has been "MySQL" by P. du Bois (Developer's Library), which is now in its 3rd edition.