MySQL, My Database

MySQL is a fast, easy-to-use RDBMS used on many Web sites. Speed was the developers’ main focus from the beginning. In the interest of speed, they made the decision to offer fewer features than their major competitors (such as Oracle and Sybase). However, even though MySQL is less full-featured than its commercial competitors, it has all the features needed by the majority of database developers. It’s easier to install and use than its commercial competitors, and the difference in price is strongly in MySQL’s favor. MySQL is developed, marketed, and supported by MySQL AB, which is a Swedish company. The company licenses it in two ways:

• Open source software: MySQL is available through the GNU GPL (General Public License). MySQL provides two versions of the open source software: MySQL Community Edition: A freely downloadable, open source edition of MySQL, released early and often with the most advanced features. Anyone who can meet the requirements of the GPL can use the software for free. If you’re using MySQL as a database on a Web site (the subject of this book), you can use MySQL for free, even if you’re making money with your Web site. MySQL Network: An enterprise-grade set of software and services available for a monthly subscription fee. MySQL Network provides certified software, thoroughly tested and optimized. Services include technical support, regular updates, access to a knowledge base of hundreds of technical articles, and other services useful to a large business. The subscription is available at four levels, from the Basic level, with a limit of two incidents, no phone support, and a two-day response time, to Platinum support, with unlimited incidents, 24/7 phone support, and a 30-minute response time.
• Commercial license: MySQL is available with a commercial license for those who prefer it to the GPL. If a developer wants to use MySQL as part of a new software product and wants to sell the new product rather than release it under the GPL, the developer needs to purchase a commercial license.

Finding technical support for MySQL Community Edition is not a problem. You can join one of several e-mail discussion lists offered on the MySQL Web site at www.mysql.com. You can even search the e-mail list archives, which contain a large archive of MySQL questions and answers.