MySQL is a relational database management system.
Whether you’re involved with a Web site that processes millions
of requests a day like eBay or Yahoo!, or a smaller site
such as your own online shop or training course, the data must
be stored in an organized and structured way for easy access
and processing. This is handled by a database management
system such as MySQL where the data is stored in tables
rather than in a flat file.
MySQL uses the client/server model; that is, a database server
MySQL that serves communicates with multiple clients
application programs, where the clients may or may not be on
the same computer. It also supports SQL, the
structured query language, a standardized language used by
most modern databases for working with data and
administering the database.
The MySQL software
uses the GPL -GNU General Public License,
http://www.fsf.org/licenses/, to define what you may and may not do with
the software in different situations. If you need to use MySQL
code in a commercial application, you can buy a commercially
licensed version. See the MySQL Licensing Overview for
more information
http://www.mysql.com/company/legal/licensing .
The MySQL Database Server is very fast, reliable, and easy
to use. MySQL Server was originally developed to handle
large databases much faster than existing solutions and has
been successfully used in highly demanding production
environments for several years. Its connectivity, speed, and
security make MySQL Server highly suited for accessing
databases on the Internet.
MySQL serves as a back end for all kinds of information
such as e-mail, Web images and content, games, log files, and
so on. The server can be embedded in applications such as
cell phones, electronic devices, public kiosks, and more.