This tutorial shows how to create a web database application using PHP and MySQL with Apache. It covers the
four things you really want to do with data: read, insert, edit and delete. You will learn simple, useful SQL statements.
The example database manages web site links, but the concepts in this tutorial apply to many
web applications such as phone directories, personalization, survey polls, etc. All are based
on inserting, displaying and managing data in a database.
This tutorial assumes that you already have your localhost or hosting running these services: Apache web server, PHP scripting language, and MySQL database server. (See How to Install Apache + PHP + MySQL
for help with this.) Important note: You do not have to be running the exact setup described in this tutorial. The web and database concepts are the same for most web applications. The syntax is just a little different.
Teach Yourself SQL
in 10 Minutes ... is
an excellent, inexpensive book about SQL. I own a copy. Although it calls itself a “Teach Yourself”
book, I use it as a quick, handy reference rather than for lessons. It is small and easy to carry.
I use it often because it is well organized and clearly written,
making it easy to find what I am looking for. A DBA (database administrator) would require a more
detailed and advanced book. For the rest of us, I highly recommend this one.
MySQL Database Server — a fast, multi-threaded, multi-user and
robust SQL database server. Documentation & tutorials are at the official MySQL site. Is all free.
Couple of notes: This link takes you to a page where you can select the version of MySQL you are running. Your web hosting company might not be running
the same version as mine, so I'm not sending you to a page for a specific version. Look to the left hand navigation menu to select the version you're running. If you are not sure which version of MySQL
you're running, here's a quick way to check: Log into your control panel … look for phpMyAdmin or another database admin tool (look in
the "databases" section) … look on the first page you are sent to for version number. At the time I am writing this, the page layout on
phpMyAdmin shows the version number towards the top right.
