Introduction

MySQL has become one of the most popular database management systems in the world. From small development projects to some of the best-known and most prestigious sites on the Web, MySQL has proven itself to be a solid, reliable, fast, and trusted solution to all sorts of data storage needs.

This book is based on my best-selling Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes. That book has become one of the most-used SQL tutorials in the world, with an emphasis on teaching what you really need to knowmethodically, systematically, and simply. But as popular and as successful as that book is, it does have some limitations:

• In covering all of the major DBMSs, coverage of DBMS-specific features and functionality had to be kept to a minimum.

• To simplify the SQL taught, the lowest common denominator had to be foundSQL statements that would (as much as possible) work with all major DBMSs. This requirement necessitated that better DBMS-specific solutions not be covered.

• Although basic SQL tends to be rather portable between DBMSs, more advanced SQL most definitely is not. As such, that book could not cover advanced topics, such as triggers, cursors, stored procedures, access control, transactions, and more, in any real detail.

And that is where this book comes in. MySQL Crash Course builds on the proven tutorials and structure of Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes, without getting bogged down with anything but MySQL. Starting with simple data retrieval and working on to more complex topics, including the use of joins, subqueries, regular expression and full text-based searches, stored procedures, cursors, triggers, table constraints, and much more. You'll learn what you need to know methodically, systematically, and simplyin highly focused chapters designed to make you immediately and effortlessly productive.

So turn to Chapter 1, and get to work. You'll be taking advantage of all MySQL has to offer in no time at all.