MariaDB Crash Course - Ben Forta [7]
• SQL is easy to learn. The statements are all made up of descriptive English words, and there aren’t that many of them.
• Despite its apparent simplicity, SQL is actually a powerful language, and by cleverly using its language elements you can perform complex and sophisticated database operations.
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Note: DBMS-Specific SQL
Although SQL is not a proprietary language and there is a standards committee that tries to define SQL syntax that can be used by all DBMSs, the reality is that no two DBMSs implement SQL identically. The SQL taught in this book is specific to MariaDB (and MySQL), and while much of the language taught will be usable with other DBMSs, do not assume complete SQL syntax portability.
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Try It Yourself
All the chapters in this book use working examples, showing you the SQL syntax, showing what it does, and explaining why it does it. I strongly suggest that you try each and every example for yourself so as to learn MariaDB firsthand.
Appendix B, “The Example Tables,” describes the example tables used throughout this book, and explains how to obtain and install them. If you have not done so, refer to this appendix before proceeding.
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Note: You Need MariaDB
Obviously, you need access to a copy of MariaDB to follow along. Appendix A, “Getting Started with MariaDB,” explains where to get a copy of MariaDB and provides some pointers for getting started. If you do not have access to a copy of MariaDB, refer to that appendix before proceeding.
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Summary
In this first chapter, you learned what SQL is and why it is useful. Because SQL is used to interact with databases, you also reviewed some basic database terminology.
2. Introducing MariaDB
In this chapter, you learn what MariaDB is, and the tools you can use when working with it.
What Is MariaDB?
In Chapter 1, “Understanding SQL,” you learned about databases and SQL. As explained, it is the database software (DBMS or Database Management System) that actually does all the work of storing, retrieving, managing, and manipulating data. MariaDB is a DBMS, that is, it is database software.
MariaDB is based on MySQL, which has been around for a long time, and is now in use at millions of installations worldwide. Why do so many organizations and developers use MySQL? Here are some of the reasons:
• Cost—MySQL is open-source, and free to use (and even modify) without paying for it.
• Performance—MySQL is fast (make that very fast).
• Trusted—MySQL is used by some of the most important and prestigious organizations and sites, all of whom entrust it with their critical data.
• Simplicity—MySQL is easy to install and get up and running.
The biggest technical criticism of MySQL is that it has not always supported the functionality and features offered by other DBMSs. There have also been criticisms leveled at how MySQL software is licensed. And more recently, MySQL has been criticized for a slowdown in updates and innovation.
In 2008, MySQL was acquired by Sun Microsystems, which was in turn acquired by Oracle Corporation in 2010. While the initial acquisition by Sun was hailed by many in the MySQL community as exactly what the project needed, that sentiment did not last, and the subsequent acquisition by Oracle was unfortunately met with far lower expectations. Many of MySQL’s developers left Sun and Oracle to work on new projects. Among them was Michael “Monty” Widenius, creator of MySQL and one of the project’s longtime technical leads.
Monty and his team created a fork of the MySQL codebase, and named his new DBMS MariaDB. As MariaDB is based on MySQL, it shares the MySQL benefits listed previously. And as for those criticisms? Those are exactly what the MariaDB team set out to resolve.
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Note: What’s in a Name?
Does MariaDB strike you as a strange name for a DBMS? Actually, the name makes perfect sense once