MySQL is the world's most commonly used database management system. Even fairly inexperienced people can use this software on its own or as part of dynamic web sites for virtually any database application under the Sun (this is an inside joke which will be explained below.) This article introduces MySQL and its companions. First we will discuss a bit of its history.



SQL is short for Structured Query Language. This language dates back to 1970 in a paper written by Dr. E. F. Codd, researcher at IBM. This ground-breaking paper described the theoretical foundations of relational databases, databases that are based on tables. Oracle Corporation beat IBM to the punch by bringing the first SQL-based database management system to market back in 1979. MySQL was released for Windows computers almost twenty years later. Over the years this product has evolved significantly and become a major player in the very competitive SQL market for database management systems of all sizes.

MySQL is part of the LAMP suite of open-source (free software). The L stands for Linux, a Unix-based operating system that directly competes with Microsoft Windows. To run LAMP on Windows computers you will perform two separate downloads, one for Linux and one for Easy PHP encompassing the remaining LAMP components. You can run these three components on virtually any Windows computer, even one that seemed ready for the garbage heap. To test your web programs you need a browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox but you don't need a live Internet connection.

The A in LAMP stands for Apache. Apache is the most widely used web server. You can run Apache alongside MySQL and PHP and test your programs in a live environment.

The M in LAMP stands for MySQL, the most widely used database management system. Sun Microsystems recently purchased MySQL for an amount exceeding one billion dollars. But don't worry; this product remains free of cost for small and medium-sized systems. When your system gets big enough, you won't mind paying the relatively small cost of the professional version.

PHP runs on the server, the computer managed by Apache. Let me remind you that you don't need two computers to run PHP and develop and test your website. When you want other people to access your website you will have to host the site on the Web. This means naming your site and dealing with a web-hosting company. You will have to pay for your site name and in most cases you also pay for hosting your domain. The web hosting company may charge extra for Linux and MySQL services and support. Many webmasters feel that Linux offers a more professional environment. Others prefer the more familiar Microsoft Windows. It will be your choice.