It is very important to understand the database before learning MySQL.A database is a structured collection of data. It may be anything from a simple shopping list to a picture gallery or the vast amounts of information in a corporate network. To add, access, and process data stored in a computer database, you need a database management system such as MySQL Server. Since computers are very good at handling large amounts of data, database management systems play a central role in computing, as standalone utilities, or as parts of other applications.
A relational database stores data in separate tables rather than putting all the data in one big storeroom. The database structures are organized into physical files optimized for speed. The logical model, with objects such as databases, tables, views, rows, and columns, offers a flexible programming environment. You set up rules governing the relationships between different data fields, such as one-to-one, one-to-many, unique, required or optional, and “pointers” between different tables. The database enforces these rules, so that with a well-designed database, your application never sees inconsistent, duplicate, orphan, out-of-date, or missing data.
MySQL is a relational database management system based on the Structured Query Language, which is the popular language for accessing and managing the records in the database. MySQL is open-source and free software under the GNU license. It is supported by Oracle Company.
MySQL has a client-server architecture and can be used in a networked environment. The server program resides on the same physical or virtual system where the database files are stored, and it is responsible for all interactions with the databases.
Various client programs such as MySQL tools for database administration or any applications that are written in other programming languages, can connect to the server and make database requests. The server processes client requests and returns the results back to the client.
A client can either reside on the same system as the server or on a remote host and send database requests over a network or internet connection to the server. Importantly, the MySQL server must be running for clients to connect to it.
The data in a MySQL database are stored in tables. A table is a collection of related data, and it consists of columns and rows.
Databases are useful for storing information categorically. A company may have a database with the following tables: