

  | 
				        |||
                            A database is a structured collection of data. It may be anything from  a simple shopping list to a picture gallery or the vast amounts of  information in a corporate network. To add, access, and process data  stored in a computer database, you need a database management system  such as MySQL Server. Since computers are very good at handling large  amounts of data, database management systems play a central role in  computing, as standalone utilities, or as parts of other applications.  | 
                        |||
  | 
                        |||
                            A relational database stores data in separate tables rather than  putting all the data in one big storeroom. This adds speed and  flexibility. The SQL part of “MySQL” stands for “Structured Query  Language.” SQL is the most common standardized language used to access  databases and is defined by the ANSI/ISO SQL Standard. The SQL standard  has been evolving since 1986 and several versions exist. In this  manual, “SQL-92” refers to the standard released in 1992, “SQL:1999”  refers to the standard released in 1999, and “SQL:2003” refers to the  current version of the standard. We use the phrase “the SQL standard”  to mean the current version of the SQL Standard at any time.  | 
                        |||
  | 
                        |||
                            Open Source means that it is possible for anyone to use and modify the  software. Anybody can download the MySQL software from the Internet and  use it without paying anything. If you wish, you may study the source  code and change it to suit your needs. 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 feel uncomfortable with the GPL or need to embed MySQL code into  a commercial application, you can buy a commercially licensed version  from us. See the MySQL Licensing Overview for more information  (http://www.mysql.com/company/legal/licensing/).  | 
                        |||
  | 
                        |||
                            If that is what you are looking for, you should give it a try. MySQL  Server also has a practical set of features developed in close  cooperation with our users. You can find a performance comparison of  MySQL Server with other database managers on our benchmark page. See  Section 7.1.3, “The MySQL Benchmark Suite”.  | 
                        |||
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. Although under  constant development, MySQL Server today offers a rich and useful set  of functions. Its connectivity, speed, and security make MySQL Server  highly suited for accessing databases on the Internet.  | 
                        |||
  | 
                        |||
|                              The MySQL Database Software is a client/server system that consists of  a multi-threaded SQL server that supports different backends, several  different client programs and libraries, administrative tools, and a  wide range of application programming interfaces (APIs).  | 
                        |||
We  also provide MySQL Server as an embedded multi-threaded library that  you can link into your application to get a smaller, faster,  easier-to-manage standalone product.  | 
                        |||
  | 
                        |||
| It is very likely that your favorite application or language supports the MySQL Database Server. | |||
The MySQL Web site ( www.mysql.com ) provides the latest information about MySQL software.  | 
                        |||