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MySQL Tutorials
Web Design
Technical Articles
While my specialty is writing about the database program, MySQL, I've also written about Linux, Apache, and Perl. This section of attempts to provide some resources on each of these software topics, which include my articles, documentation, as well as tips.
Below is a list of articles that I've written for the type or topic selected (see right margin to change selection). The link to each article will display the article as it was submitted to the publication, before changes were made by the editor. To see the published version for a particular article, click on the name of the publication for it.
Highlighted Tutorials
These highlighted tutorials are basic articles on common topics in MySQL. They're a good starter set for a MySQL beginner.
Importing Data with MySQL
When you're migrating data or otherwise need to bulk import data into MySQL, you'll need to use a utility like mysqldump or the LOAD DATA INFILE statement in MySQL. This article explain how to use them.
Backing Up MySQL
This tutorial explains several methods of backing up data in MySQL. It shows how to do this at the filesystem level (not a recommended method), and with mysqldump, mysqlhotcopy, and mysqlsnapshot.
Altering Tables in MySQL
Once you get started with MySQL by creating tables and adding data, at some point you will need to alter your tables. This article explains the basics of using the ALTER TABLE statement and gives examples of the many clauses with it.
Changing Times in MySQL
A basic tutorial on working with time functions in MySQL. It covers storing time in a table column, retrieving it and formatting it to your preferred style. It also explains the process of altering dates. Many examples are provided.
Doing Time with MySQL
A basic to intermediate and extensive tutorial on working with time functions in MySQL. It covers storing, retrieving, altering, and formatting dates and times. Many examples are included.
MySQL String Functions
In this basic tutorial, I cover many string functions available in MySQL. It provides examples for each, showing the more common syntax.
Adding and Changing Data in MySQL
This basic tutorial explains how to add data to a MySQL database using the mysql client. It covers the INSERT, REPLACE, and UPDATE statements.
MySQL Basics
This tutorial is an article for the beginner who wants to get started quickly without having to invest a lot of time and money in books on MySQL. It includes straightforward examples.
Getting Data out of MySQL
A basic tutorial for retrieving data from an existing MySQL database and its tables.
More Articles
By default, the highlighted tutorials are listed. To select a different type of article or to get a list of articles by a particular topic, click on one of the links below:
Types of Articles
- Highlighted Tutorials
These highlighted tutorials are basic articles on common topics in MySQL. They're a good starter set for a MySQL beginner.
- Tutorials
Articles which explain how to use software, mostly open source software.
- Product Reviews
These articles are reviews of software products. They're probably a bit out-of-date since the software they describe has been updated several times since they were published.
- Opinion Pieces
When I wrote an article about the software industry or a software user conferene, I put them under this category.
- Interviews
One nice thing about being an article writer is that you sometimes get to interview interesting people. These are the articles that I wrote and were published from those interviews.
- Book Reviews
To get started in the technical writing field, I wrote many reviews of books that I liked. This had the advantage of getting me free books. I also used it as an excuse to interview more people in the industry since I liked to quote the author.
- All Articles
If you'd like to see all of my published articles, click on this choice.
Article Topics
- Linux
Articles related to the Linux operating system.
- Apache
Articles related to the configuration of the Apache web server. Contains many basic articles on configuring the httpd service.
- MySQL
This is my specialty in technical writing. Plenty of articles for beginners, as well as some special usage articles.
- Perl
A fabulous programming language that I use for this web site. I've written several articles on its use and on books about Perl.
- PHP
I'm not much of a PHP programmer and my PHP code in my articles is fairly weak. But if you're new to PHP and need some very basic articles on it, check out mine.