Variable at the end of a select statement

Anon

I recentally seen this code in the forum and I had a question about it.

I know it\'s a simple selcect statement but what\'s the variable at the end of the statement for (the $db).

$result = mysql_query(\"SELECT DISTINCT fieldname from tablename\", $db);

Thanks to everyone for you help.
You have all helped me out so much.
Thanks again

Jaymz

Anon

An excerpt from the PHP documentation, you newbie guys really gotta download a copy of this and check it before posting, it'd solve your problems way faster than us experienced programs could. 🙂

int mysql_query (string query [, int link_identifier])

mysql_query() sends a query to the currently active database on the server that’s associated with the
specified link identifier. If link_identifierisn’t specified, the last opened link is assumed. If no link is
open, the function tries to establish a link as if mysql_connect() was called with no arguments, and use it.

Anon

Just to defend myself a little...I did look it up but didn't have a clue what it was talking about.

If issuing different select statements to the same database and same table do I use the same link_identifier?
Do I change it?
Do I have to use it at all?

I'm sorry for my ignorance in this but I was kinda thrown into this project that I have to do without any prior knowledge of PHP or MySQL.

(I didn't even know what it was.)

Anon

If you're using the same database all the time, you don't need the variable at all.

it's only useful when you have 'connected' to multiple databases and want to specify to which one your select statement should go.

So, if you only have 1 database (and 1 connection), which i think most people have, you don't have to use it at all...

Hope this clears things a little,