MySQL Administrator's Guide

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MySQL Administrator's Guide
Author: MySQL Press
Review by: Vulture

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The MySQL Administrator's Guide by MySQL Press is the ultimate reference for anyone installing, upgrading or maintaining the MySQL database server. I found this guide to be completely invaluable when using MySQL, even before I had downloaded the software. The Guide uses clear, easy to read, formatting which makes shell instructions stand out from MySQL statements. A detailed index takes no time to show you where in 600 pages your answer lies - and you can bet you'll find the answer in this Guide. Beginners beware, however, this is no introduction to MySQL. Readers should have a clear understanding of their system, along with experience of MySQL, although an insight into MySQL AB and MySQL's history is included in Chapter 1.

As I began reading through this Guide, I couldn't help notice immediately how it sets itself apart from similar books. The MySQL Admin Guide has a detail which you will not find anywhere else. Such is to be expected from the company who make the software, and this book certainly shows the high quality of MySQL. After reading through this book, I can't help but agree with Kaj Arno (Vice President Software Engineering, MySQL AB) who is quoted on the back page; "'It is not possible to find a more thorough and more current reference in print, anywhere'". One of the best example I can make of this fact is in Chapter 2 which focuses on Installing MySQL. Not only does this Guide list all the option of a source distribution, all the ins and outs of installing MySQL on all likely platforms - Windows, Mac OS X, NetWare, Linux and other general Unix systems - this guide also deals with Upgrading and Downgrading the most recent version of the MySQL database server. And of course, to ensure that the entire knowledge is in print, Perl installation notes are included too. What other book covers the often troublesome installation process in almost 150 pages of detail?

And that's only the second chapter. Throughout the book you're assured to find comprehensive information straight from the people who know it best. You may think that this book simply offers too much information, and for most people I would have to agree. It is unlikely to bother a system administrator how MySQL server optimizes the WHERE clause, or how to avoid table scans. Even if someone was interested in understanding something like this, they'd have the opportunity of looking at the MySQL Reference Manual online. So why buy the print version? The printed Guide not only allows for offline viewing, it also includes information which has not been included in the Reference Manual, such as how details are stored and the many feature of MySQL's MaxDB. If your not content with only having part of the story, you'll want to get this Guide.

The MySQL Administrator's Guide is the ideal book for system administrators who want to get the most out of their MySQL server. With all the advice on installing, maintaining and administering that you'll ever need to know, this Guide by MySQL AB is ideal for those who long for a comprehensive printed reference.