Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 3. The Basics and the mysql
Client
There are various methods of interacting with a MySQL or MariaDB server to develop or
work with a database. A program that interfaces with the server is known as a
MySQL cli-
ent
. There are many suchclients, but this topic focuses on one that best serves the need of
interactive users, a text-based client known simply as
mysql
. It's the most commonly used
interface, recommended for beginners and preferred by advanced users.
There are alternative clients with GUIs, but in the long run they're not as useful. First, you
don't learn as much while using them. Because they give you visual hints about what to do,
you may be able to carry out some basic queries quickly, but you won't be as well prepared
for advanced work. The text-based
mysql
client causes you to think and remember more —
and it's not that difficult to use or confusing. More importantly, GUIs tend to change often.
When they do, you will need to learn where to find what you want in the new version. If
you change jobs or go to a customer's site, or for whatever reason use someone else's sys-
tem, they may not use the same GUI with which you are familiar. However, they will al-
ways have the
mysql
client, because it's installed with the MySQL server. So all examples
in this topic assume that this is the client you will use. I recommend that when examples
are shown, that you try entering them on your computer with the
mysql
client so that you
can reinforce what you're learning.
