mySQL newbie
I've got several sites runing CGI, SSI, CCS, Java, and other elements, but I've never had access use mySQL before. In general, what's the deal? I'm thinking of using AdCycle for a banner rotation which says it runs better using mySQL. I'm also using UltraBoard for a forum (less than 100 members) which has an upgrade that says it will run better on mySQL. My new site host gives me ONE mySQL database, so what should I do?
I have the option of not using mySQL for either, but are the benefits of mySQL THAT good?
On a side note, can anyone recommend a FREE banner rotation script that allows for weighting? Is AdCycle more than a small site needs?
Thanks!
Mark Hensler posted this at 06:56 — 25th February 2001.
He has: 4,048 posts
Joined: Aug 2000
Yes, mySQL *IS* that much better than flat files.
You can have more than one script using the same Database, just make sure that they don't try to use tables with the same name.
Mark Hensler
If there is no answer on Google, then there is no question.
Gil posted this at 16:10 — 25th February 2001.
They have: 103 posts
Joined: Apr 1999
Here's the thing. MySQL (and its counterparts: SQL Server, PostgreSQL and Oracle) are methods of organizing data and quickly retrieving that data. They are stored in a much more complex fashion than a flat (text) file database, and while that flat file database might be less resource intensive and smaller, it takes much more programming to select the name column of each line in your flat file database.
Let me give you an example. Let's say you have a flat file database like this:
Name|Address|City|State|DOB
Now, let's say you wanted to grab the name of every person on that database. In Perl (which I'll use just for demonstration), you'd have to do something like this:
open(FILE,"peopledb.txt");
@people=<FILE>;
close(FILE);
foreach $line(@people) {
@columns = split(/|/, $line);
push(@names, $columns[0]);
}
The result is an array with names in it. Now who wants to do that? Here is where database servers rock. If you had a database table named People with the same info and structure, all you would have to do is this:
Select Name FROM People'So you can see how powerful it is. When I first got into databases, I was confused on how to get started using MySQL. Unfortunately I haven't ever seen a quick start guide to using MySQL on the web, so you might need to buy a book. But you might also try using phpMyAdmin available from phpwizard.net. It's basically a series of scripts that allow you to setup your database.
Good luck fifeclub!
Gil Hildebrand, Jr.
Internet Consultant
New Orleans, LA
mairving posted this at 18:22 — 25th February 2001.
They have: 2,256 posts
Joined: Feb 2001
The documentation on MYSQL's site is terrible. I have an O'Reilly book called MSQL & MYSQL in a Nutshell. It is a pretty good intro into MYSQL. Even if you use phpMyAdmin, you still need to know your way around MYSQL. Learn security first and foremost. I learned MS Access first and then branched into MYSQL. You will also need to know your way around Apache & Linux. You can also get a tutorial at http://www.devshed.com/Server_Side/MySQL/Intro/ .
Mark Irving
I have a mind like a steel trap; it is rusty and illegal in 47 states
ShinNathan posted this at 01:05 — 1st March 2001.
They have: 46 posts
Joined: Dec 2000
Kind of confused here...
I use asp. In that I use what I think is pure SQL. It seems exactly the same as MySQL. Is MySQL needed to get SQL running on Linux or something?
Guess what I am asking is, what is MySQL and why is it different from just SQL.
(Tought my self everything I know, so there are some major gaps in my knowledge)
Nasanu.org
Gil posted this at 01:39 — 1st March 2001.
They have: 103 posts
Joined: Apr 1999
What you're referring to is the language (Structured Query Language). MySQL (or I'm assuming MSSQL in your case) is the database server application which actually stores information and creates the database. The SQL language is used to instruct the database server (MySQL, MSSQL, etc) to perform whatever action you need it to.
Gil Hildebrand, Jr.
Internet Consultant
New Orleans, LA
mairving posted this at 02:09 — 2nd March 2001.
They have: 2,256 posts
Joined: Feb 2001
For the most part, MYSQL runs in Linux or Unix. They have ported it to Windows also. The structure is still very much using the command line. If you know SQL, you are 80-90% there. MYSQL intergrates very nicely with PHP and PERL. You can also use phpwizard ( http://www.phpwizard.net ) to access and create your databases. Some hosts like the one I use have MYSQL and the phpwizard built in.
Mark Irving
I have a mind like a steel trap; it is rusty and illegal in 47 states
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