Beginner seeks MySQL help

Davidc316

Hello,
over the past week or so I've been working my way through a book on how to do PHP and MySQL.

Anyway, I've finally finished most of the PHP script lessons but I'm moving onto a section on building and using an online database with MySQL.

The trouble is... the book is VERY weak on this department and I'm also having trouble trying to find good info on the net.

Could someone please explain a few basic things for me:

When you're creating a new database (with new tables, data entries and so on!) do you do this with ;
A- Some coding in your PHP script?
B- The MySQL admin panel?
C- Any of the above?

What exactly is the MySQL admin panel for?

That's it! I thought there was more! 🙂

Anyway, if anyone could answer these questions for me it would make my day. Alteratively if anyone knows any links with good tutorials on basic MySQL stuff then I'd be very grateful.

Thanks!

wil

WHen I create a database I first lay it out in a DDL. I create a .txt file with the definitions in it first. This allow me to change things and recreate the DB easily. Here is a example

DROP TABLE usr_name  // This will drop the table first incase it already exisits

CREATE TABLE usr_name (
usr_id int not null primary key auto_increment,
usr_name varchar(15_,
usr_date date,
INDEX (usr_name, usr_id));  // creates new table with it columns and types. Also allow indexing for faster searching.

After the DDL is crated start up MYSQL from a command line and paste is in and a DB will be created. Also you can paste the DDL into the MYSSQL admin code section.
Your best bet will be find a good book on database basics before you create large ones. You can create a large mess or inefficient DB if you are not carefull.

Wil