MySQL Administrator's Bible

Some background first: I've used MySQL for two decently-sized programming projects in the past, on the developer side. More recently I was hired to design, build and administer the back-end of a web application. MySQL seemed the natural choice. With background only in the developer's role, I had a huge amount to learn.I started out by buying the MySQL Administrator's Guide and Reference:http://www.amazon.com/MySQL-Administrators-Guide-Language-Reference/dp/0672328704/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244855803&sr=8-4and a more general book on Database Administration:http://www.amazon.com/Database-Administration-Complete-Practices-Procedures/dp/0201741296/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244855921&sr=8-1The former was pretty terrible, and it's all available online anyways so there's absolutely no reason to buy it. Why is it so bad? Despite being written by MySQL, it is completely impractical and totally bogged down with details. I defy you to figure out how to efficiently back up your database by using that guide. I couldn't.The latter was very useful for introducing concepts like data normalization and, while a little out of date, gives a quick sense of the products that are out there. I highly recommend it as a first read. but it's not MySQL specific - so where to go then?Finally, I found this book. It took me about 1 minute to find the tools I would need to back up a database and another 10 seconds to find a detailed discussion of what's going on when you back up a database.It's also very recent (as of 2009/06) - it really reflects the state of the tools out there and I was pleasantly surprised to find that all of the developments I had been reading about in my online research were reflected in the book. Instead of glossing over complex topics like MySQL Cluster, memcached, DRBD, Linux HA (see, I wasn't kidding about its coverage), it points you to external resources that are actually helpful.I haven't yet read all of it but, to my knowledge, there is nothing comparable out there. If you have a good idea of the basics behind database administration and need a practical guide to how to actually administer a MySQL database, including the tools available to you, I'd seriously recommend that you take a look at this book.LIMITATIONS:- I was a bit concerned about the book's information on early-stage tools like MySQL Proxy and MySQL 6.0. They haven't been released for general use and are not certified as stable, but the book just lists them with other tools as if you could just drop them in. Be careful.- As another reader pointed out, it's not the easiest read. But then, if you've never used SQL, never mind MySQL before, then trying to understand concepts like the difference between READ COMMITTED and SERIALIZABLE isolation levels will surely result in pain and death. This book is much better if you have a question like "How do I backup a MySQL database?", "How do I make a trigger", or "How do I set up replication?"

To fully grasp the scope of any technology you need a reference bible. This book, as the title suggests, is that reference for a new MySQL DBA that I would highly recommend.When becoming proficient in any technology you need to grasp the full scope of the product. This book covers 22 chapters from your first exposure in MySQL, to necessary administration tasks, to key advanced features including optimization, security and scalability. If you are an experienced DBA in a different technology, knowing how to use the MySQL specific syntax, and knowing all the options is an important step in becoming MySQL savvy. This book gets you there.While I may be an experienced MySQL DBA, and am familiar with the content, I have still reviewed various sections of this book and used this as a reference for specific syntax. I also recommend this book regularly to resources that ask questions where a solid grasp of the scope of the MySQL product is needed.I have this on my bookshelf as a valuable MySQL reference.

I purchased this book to learn MySQL and get back up to speed since I have been out of the computer world for a few years. I found on page 54 that the author finally tells you that the SAKILA sample DB is used thoughout the book. Well I don't know why because on the MySQL website in the developer forums you will find all the way back to September of 2006 the fact that the SAKILA DB fails to install for many reasons and there are even questions if it is even maintained or supported any longer. Many of the posters to the forum strike me as very experienced. So I am not alone in my frustrations and that thus far there is no answer to the problem. I believe the author should have used a different sample DB for the book or included a know working version of SAKILA on a CD in the book.Secondly on page 68 you see the graphic of SQLyog Enterprise Trail Version that is being used but nowhere is there a mention that for non-commerical use, that is, your own personal use it will cost you $79. Gee so if I what to get past the 30 day trial while studying from the authors book I will have to invest another $79 beyound the cost of this book? Why is this little tid bit ignored and buried on page 68?I could go on but the back cover of this book doesn't tell the truth about the target audience. If you are trying to learn SQL on your own or trying to refresh yourself this is not the book. If you have an intermediate understanding or better then this book will do you some good.

Even though this book is almost five years old it still does a great job providing the information necessary for an individual to become a world class Administrator! I would highly recommend this book to anyone: current administrators, new administrators, and casual administrators. You may have to look at the documentation for your specific MySQL version for some syntax correction, but for the most part this book is spot on.

Not only is this book well written, it contains all of the issues that I have encountered since becoming a Certified MySQL DBA.Each of the topics is covered accurately and sufficiently so that MySQL DBAs can do their jobs.An excellent index along with Appendix B provide shortcuts to the core issues you will encounter.This book will make your life as a MySQL DBA a more pleasant experience.

Everything you need to know about MySQL... This is an extremely handy reference book, thick, detailed, whatever you need to know is in here. A must for the professional reference library.

A must have for MySQL administrators. Trust me. The MySQL manual can only take you so far.

The content of the book is excellent and very complete, not the best printing quality but its ok acording to the price

Classic MySQL reference in detail terms. However it's shortcomings is in it's failure to cover recent developments, since SUN's acquisition by Oracle

Good source of information for intermediate level and lower.