mysql_close($DATABASE);

Anon

If I don't use the statement
mysql_close($DATABASE);

will it mess up my database or make it slower in any way?

Anon

PHP Manual:

Note that this isn't usually necessary, as non-persistent open links are automatically closed at the end of the script's execution.

My 2ct worth:
Have a look at "persistant database connections"
These remain open even if your script ends, thus allowing you to re-use the connection then next time you start the script, which is faster.
But keep in mind that on large projects you may have to change your database config for that.

jaydj

Is there a way that I can check how long my server is configured to make persistent connections before closing the link ?

My current hosting provider suggested that I close the link immediately after using because their max_user_connections is currently set to 25. and they further mentioned that a shared hosting site should not need more than 25 simultaneous database connections.

Right now, I'm occassionally getting a "too many users" on my site. I'm trying to figure a way out of solving this. I asked if they could raise their max_users_connections limit but apparently they won't.

[deleted]

"My current hosting provider suggested that I close the link immediately after using because their max_user_connections is currently set to 25. "

"and they further mentioned that a shared hosting site should not need more than 25 simultaneous database connections"

25? lol I wonder how they came to that completely ridiculous conclusion. I hope you are not paying them much.

The explenation:
PHP is run by the webserver.
The webserver is multithreaded. That means, it can start up X copies of itself, and so it will start X copies of PHP.
Each copy of the webserver requires it's own database connection. So if your host let's you start 50 webserver threads (which is complete peanuts) they must allow you to use at least 50 concurrent database connections.

The 25 limit is complete nonsense.
MySQL already defaults to 100, and I prefer to set it at 250 at least.

My advice: either get them to increase the limit, or change hosts immediately.

25.... lol...