Rating: 
Summary: not good for window
Review: i am already finish this book 2 months ago, and if give me enlightment about the sql language, i thought after reading this book i don't need to learn other db,because my real focus is learning programmer language java & perlthis book give me frustration, i need to open the online doc. for looking window using like "load local infile blah.txt into table blah" is not suit for window, i think i need to change mysql to oracle for window using, but mr. paul is done good job for his books anyway. keep up mr paul
Rating:
Summary: not good for window
Review: i am indonesian & my english is now well, i had read this book finish 2 months ago, i had never known about db, but from this book i got enlightenment with what is sql language, and solve currently encounter problem, why i give this book 3 stars, cause is not so good for window, most syntax are for unix, e.g. %. after finish it mysql give me a chance to learn oracle giant db for future use, i hope not to learn open-source program again in future coming, not including perl,php.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't waste your time...
Review: I was extremely dissapointed to say the least. This book doesn't even begin to cover video game programming in mySQL, not even the basics. In fact, it doesn't cover video game programming at all. The section on compiling for DOS must have been lost on the way to the printing press... While the plot had substance to it, the ending was predictable and unoriginal...
Rating: 
Summary: Want to set up and manage MySQL? Look no further!
Review: This is the definitive book on MySQL. I had to deploy MySQL on a Solaris e250 and had ZERO knowledge of MySQL. I found all the answers I needed to setup and manage MySQL. I also had referenced this is a much more thorough book than the offering by O'Reilly (MySQL & mSQL). If you need a database you can manage with little or no hassle, and do it quickly this is book you need. It is also pretty good at explaining the options for connecting to the DB via various interfaces/languages. For a web-based interface I recommend PHP, and the book "PHP Essentials".
Rating:
Summary: Excellent for Learning MySQL
Review: I am designing a user database (so that users can log in) for easy2link.com using PHP and MySQL, and I found this book extremely helpful and ideal. This book is more of a tutorial - going through example problems and going through the thought process of deciding what type of variables are needed for certain situations - than a reference (which I would have preferred). If you are planning on using PHP3 or PHP4, buy PHP Essentials Julie Meloni (although it lacks information about templates). Contrary to what I first would have thought, I find it nice to have two seperate books about the two topics. The overlapping of the topics in the two books is quite elaborate. Whatever you need MySQL for or whatever it is going to interact with, buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, but NOT for the absolute mySQL starter
Review: I bought this book after reading the reviews. I wanted to learn mySQL for a specific project and since I have about ten years Unix knowledge I thought it was about time I learned an 'add-on' skill like databases. However, I feel that if this book is supposed to be THE book for the absolute beginner, then I've been short changed. 90% of it is written very clearly, but an important section which would prove tremendously useful for beginners like myself fails. The subject of creating a username / password is skimmed in early chapters by refering you to contact your database administrator. For some reason, its not until near end of the book do you get some guidance which I still failed to perform correctly. I bought this book thinking I'd not need to speak to a DBA in order for me to create a simple database (or to use the sample one's that I ftp'd from the publishers server). However... you do need to know someone with some DBA skills, even if the help costs you a coffee... Thus, excellent book, but I'm only giving it 3stars since its strictly not for the absolute beginner... but nice try though.
Rating:
Summary: By far, the BEST book on MySQL!
Review: Prior to reading this book, my knowledge of MySQL was limited at best. I had built some web sites but wanted to offer database hosting as an option to my customers. My limited knowledge of database administration was holding me back though. Since I had access to MySQL as well as PHP, I figured this would be a good book to get me started. Huge understatement! Before even finishing the book, I was able to offer this service to my existing customers. Now, granted, these databases were not massive and multi-featured, however, they suited my customers needs perfectly. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about MySQL and it's related scripting languages. It is well written, and the author is able to make a dry subject interesting and easy to learn. It is also very easy to find the information you are looking for when using the book as a reference.
Rating:
Summary: I love this book...
Review: I had some experience with MS Access database design, and have done some Perl programming. After skimming through just the first 40 pages or so and refering back to other pages as needed I was able to write my first application that used MySQL. I took one of the freeware shopping carts and converted it to MySQL and it was all a breeze. Of the 40 or so tech manuals that I have on my desk this has got to be the best written, easiest to understand manual that I have ever read. I almost bought another MySQL book from this site until I read the reviews on this one and then changed my mind. That was one of the best decisions I ever made.... Thank you to all the others that placed reviews for saving me a lot of headaches.
Rating:
Summary: More technical books like this one please.
Review: I bought this book together with PHP Essentials by Julie C. Meloni and I think they go perfectly with each other. I bought this book about six months ago and I keep coming back to all the sections all the time. Its easy read with alot of great examples covering the most of my needs so far. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in MySQL, both beginners and experienced people. Ps. To me it looks like the author was paid by the quality and not by the wordcount, which is great :-)
Rating:
Summary: Essential Reference
Review: Pretty much essential reference if you're working with MySQL and want to do things fast. A lot easier than reading reference docs online. Typeface is easy to read, layout is good. It has become probably the most used of my 40 or so computer books and is now dog-ear'ed to pieces and I have never even read it!
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