Beginning SQL

Appendix B. Setting Up and Using the Five Database Systems

This appendix covers how to install the five database systems supported by this book. It also covers enough detail on using each database system to enable you to create the example database used throughout the book. This appendix also shows you how each database system allows you to enter and run SQL queries. With the knowledge gained here, you'll be in a position to create the example database and try out all of the SQL examples in the book. The coverage of each database system is quite brief, and although it is sufficient for this book, each of the database systems comes with help files and tutorials that help you learn more.

Installing and Using MySQL Version 4.1

The first thing you need to do is download the MySQL database installation files from www.mysql.com. The direct link is http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/4.1.html.

At the time of writing, version 4.1 is the latest version for new developments. You often find beta versions of the MySQL software, but these are not 100 percent stable, and so they carry risks. The front-end interface for MySQL is fairly limited, but there are a number of add-on consoles you can install that make administering MySQL and writing queries much easier. In addition to the MySQL binaries, there are helpful tools such as MySQL Administration console and the MySQL Query Browser, all of which can be downloaded from http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/. Also available is MySQL Control Center. This ...