Rating:  - Solves a lot of problems! (That's how it's organized)
I had a recent perl+mysql project and flipped between the Cookbook and the author's other work, MySQL, mentioned in other reviews. ( also referred to the O'Reilly Perl books _Programming Perl_ and _Perl for System Administration_. I don't usually have time to master any topic or skillset; I need to get in, get it going, and move on. This book is perfect for that. "How do I get the date?" There's a recipe for that. "How do I get perl to connect to the database and insert stuff?" There's a recipe. Also for PHP, python, etc. It's really focused on problem solving, and the problems are really well chosen. This book will save you hours of effort.
Rating: - Lucky Me!
I am a big fan of hands-on books. I especially like the `From Scratch` and `Cookbook` type titles.
Well, lucky me. When I attended the 2005 MySQL Users Conference in Santa Clara CA in April '05, I received the "MySQL Cookbook" by Paul DuBois as a reward for early registration.
The day after I returned back to work from the conference, one of my co-workers came looking for some guidance in regards to a MySQL database issue he was having. His description sounded familiar to one of the recipes I skimmed in the cookbook. Sure enough, I found the resolution within two minutes, and had sent
another satisfied customer on his way.
The great aspect of this book is that it is written to provide solutions to over 315 real-world problems. Whenever I come up against an obstacle in regards to MySQL, I head straight to the table of contents and scan for a recipe that looks like it might be a match.
One topic I wish was covered somewhere in this text is the concept of derived tables, which are basically sub-queries used as tables in a join.
(...)
The "MySQL Cookbook" and "MySQL in a Nutshell" books are permanent fixtures in my office ... except for when my co-workers borrow them.
-Brett Berry
PERL/PHP/JavaScript/MySQL
(...)
Rating: - The only MySQL book needed for programming my web sites
I built several web sites using PHP/MySQL and the only two books I use day-to-day are "MySQL Cookbook" and "PHP Cookbook".
If you're already somewhat familiar with MySQL, this book is a great reference for the SQL and database manipulation you already know how to do. In addition, the examples push the envelope of what is possible with MySQL making it a good learning tool for becoming truly expert.
Some of the information in the book I found useful includes:
- simplifying complex SQL using temporary tables.
- using FULLTEXT searches (similar to pattern matching but more efficient and easier to code when you're looking for the same text in several columns at the same time).
- effective use of LEFT JOIN's for finding rows in one table that don't have a match in another table.
- effective use of LAST_INSERT_ID( fieldName + 1 ) for transactionally updating a numeric field without using transactions and without locking a table.
- numbering output rows using SQL variables (select @rownum := @rownum + 1; (see chapter 13.9))
I really can't say enough good things about this book. It's comprehensive, easy to read and just plain awesome.
Rating: - Excellent All-Around Guide To MySQL Programming
I am an experienced web developer and recently started using Perl with MySQL to build database-driven CGI applications.
MySQL Cookbook by Paul DuBois turned out to be a valuable reference resource.
While the title mentions only MySQL, the book provides a great deal of solutions (and code) for using MySQL with Perl, PHP, Python and Java. If you are familiar with any of these computer languages, this book and MySQL manual is all you need to start building applications with MySQL-compatible database backend.
Rating:  - A Hand-on guide to MySQL
There are many databases out there. MySQL is one of the better ones. It's a free (for personal use) database system which can be easily integrated into a web application on virtually any system. It has supports most of the standard feature found in most database system and has quiet a few features unique to MySQL. This particular book is a good reference for the experienced user as well as for new comers and as an added bonus even covers MySQL 4.0.
This is book was my first introduction to O'Reilly's cookbook series. It provides solutions to some of the most common challenged faced by the particular subject being covered (in this case MySQL). I thoroughly enjoyed it and was quiet impressed with it. Too many technical books simply introduce the concept without relating it to real world applications.
This particular book introduces all of the most basic concepts of database manipulation (table creation, data insertion, data deletion, data update). As well as writing simple and advanced SQL statements to retrieve data. It approaches database design using 4 of the most popular languages (Perl, PHP, Python and Java). These are only a few of the many possible languages which can be used to manipulate a MySQL database.
MySQL cookbook touches on a variety of different topics which I don't have the space or time to cover in detail, but here is a list of them:
* Handeling duplicates
* MySQL on the Web
* Processing Web input with MySQL
* Using MySQL-based Web Session Management
One of my favorite topics covered in the book is the idea of storing binary data such as images within a database. Although not ideal for most cases (unless you need fast access to a vast array of images), just the idea of it has a certain kewlness effect.
Well, overall I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It needs to touch slightly more on the basic concepts of databases, and it can become the only book you'll ever need for MySQL.
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