MySQL management, tutorials, scripts, coding, programming and tips for database administrators

MySQL

MySQL General Security Tips 05/06

Ease of use and speedy performance are just two of the many features that make MySQL one of the most popular databases in use today. Unfortunately, a high adoption rate makes MySQL a target for many malicious individuals and organizations. In today's article, Rob Gravelle highlights a few simple but effective ways of beefing up your database security to defend against both local and remote attacks.

New Query Optimizer Features in MySQL 5.6 04/04

One of MySQL 5.6's many optimizations apply to the processing of queries that contain subqueries. These involve transforming a subquery into a semi-join operation, and then treating it like just another join operation for evaluation. Rob Gravelle takes a closer look at the various strategies utilized by the MySQL 5.6 optimizer to achieve this end.

All About the MySQL 5.5 LOAD XML INLINE Statement 03/07

With version 5.5 of MySQL in full production, the LOAD XML statement greatly simplifies the task of importing data from an XML file into a MySQL table, without having to resort to a stored procedure. Rob Gravelle provides a summary of how to use the new LOAD XML statement.

Performing Full-text Searches in MySQL 5.6 02/07

Some good news for MySQL users; version 5.6 includes native full-text support. If you’re not using MySQL, maybe this will be just the impetus you need to make the switch. In today’s article, Rob Gravelle shows you how to take advantage of MySQL 5.6’s Full-text search capabilities.

Comparing SQL Server and MySQL Functions 01/07

Rob Gravelle examines some of the challenges in porting your databases between MS SQL Server and MySQL. Today's article shows you how functions may require additional effort on your part to produce equivalent results.

Mapping Data Types between MySQL and SQL Server 12/10

With respect to data types, MySQL and MS SQL Server have some important differences. Chances are that you’ll have to do some mapping to get the correct data when migrating from one to the other. To that end, this article describes the most important data type differences to be aware of between MySQL and SQL Server.

Comparing TokuDB to MySQL 5.5 with InnoDB on Small Databases 11/12

Tokutek has developed a new kind of data structure called a Fractal Tree that is purported to achieve insertion rates of five to twenty times faster in large databases, as in 100 million rows and above. Moreover, these benefits have been shown to continue right on up to fifty billion rows!

Challenging MySQL Trigger Operations Made Easy 10/11

Rob Gravelle demonstrates how stored procedures can be used in conjunction with triggers to enhance their effectiveness. In doing so, he examines some of the limitations of triggers as implemented in MySQL as well as ways to circumvent them.

The Wonderful (and not so Wonderful) Things about MySQL Triggers 09/27

While useful in some contexts, database triggers are not the best option in every situation. There are times when a stored procedure is the preferred solution. The trick is of course, when to choose one over the other. And that is what today's article will attempt to shed some light on.

A Case for (Occasional) Denormalization of MySQL Data 09/10

The result of slavish adherence to 3NF in database design can lead to over-engineering; the evidence of which include inflexible design schemas and cumbersome data retrieval. Rob Gravelle suggests that there are some instances where denormalization may be called for.

Testing Your MySQL Stored Procedures with MyTAP 08/13

If your MySQL database interfaces with applications or is used to generate reports then chances are good that it contains some massive stored procedures. In that case, you had better set up some type of unit testing framework so that you can verify that your SQL code is doing what it should. This article introduces MyTAP, a unit-test suite based on the Test Anything Protocol (TAP).

Handling Slow Processes in MySQL 07/23

Viewing the process list is a key step in debugging many common server problems, including bottlenecks, poor performance, deadlocks, connection issues, and many others. In today’s article, Rob Gravelle demonstrates some ways to use the processlist to glean insight into potential server issues.

Email Job Failures Report to DBA using PowerShell 06/18

MySQL introduced its own brand of job scheduling, called Events, in version 5.1. However, some Database Administrators (DBAs) feel that it isn't quite ready for prime time. This article presents a hybrid solution that uses MySQL Event Scheduling to manage the batch jobs and Windows PowerShell for the error handling.

Restore Your MySQL Database from a Backup Using PowerShell 06/04

Rob Gravelle explores how to restore a MySQL database from backup using PowerShell commands.

Understanding the MySQL Information Schema Database 05/29

The INFORMATION_SCHEMA database is where each MySQL instance stores information about all the other databases that the MySQL server maintains. It's the ideal place to lookup information, the data type of a column, or access privileges. Rob Gravelle provides an overview of the INFORMATION_SCHEMA database as well as some practical examples of its many uses.