I'm not new to the concept of database, I've worked with Oracle database quite a lot in the past.

But, now I want to learn MySQL. I know by searching the internet I'll get a few MySQL tutorials, but if anyone knows of a good one please advise.

I basically want to keep a back up copy of anything I create on the MySQL database on my local system, and migrate the data on a weekly basis to my host provider.

Basically I want to completely refresh the database on the production site, from scratch every week.

But before I proceed to do all these advance procedures I need to first get acquianted with MySQL.

Thanks for any pointers.

I am very proficient in PHP and MYSQL/MYSQLI, as are a number of the guys here. Are you looking for a guide on the SQL statements? I would say a predominant number of the SQL statements are pretty cut and dry... INSERT INTO, SELECT * FROM, etc.

You're looking to do db backups... are you looking to schedule it from crontab? Or execute a PHP script? Your answer would dramatically modify the direction I point you.

I think you'll find the MYSQL Manual helpful. And I have always been a fan of the O'Reilly MYSQL Books, many of which are available online (downloadable too).

MYSQLI is going to become the new standard in the next couple of years. Most of the functionality is the same, but the connection to the database and the method in which you execute queries is somewhat different. MYSQLI boasts significant performance improvements over the standard MYSQL. For clarity, MYSQLI is more of a reference to how you interface with the db... it's still a MYSQL database platform.

If possible, I would be sure to consult sources that reference MYSQLI. MYSQLI is supported in PHP 5+, so don't expect to get much practice on a server with a version lower than that installed (most run PHP 4).

Thanks for the response and for suggesting the manual and the books. I will take a look in to the manual for now.

My host provider only supports MySQL4.1 so I guess for now I'll have to stick with that version.

I still need to set up the database from scratch, but i'm using JSP and Java to interact with the database.

PHPMyAdmin can make MYSQL database administration much more simplified, especially if you're not fully familiar with the various queries. Most of the hosts I've seen offer this as a database (usually skinned) to their customers.

I highly recommend it.

My website host has PHPAdmin for MySQL. I still need to learn the interface of PHPAdmin.

But, a few days ago I downloaded MySQL 4.x , and i went through their tutorial which comes built-in with the Help.

I liked the way it was so incredibly easy to learn. I just breezed through the intro.

Since it uses most of the syntax from ANSI SQL it was easy to pick up.

Now I will set up a simple database, with just one table and then try to read from that table with some Java framework.