What is MySQL?

MySQL is one of the most widely used open source database management systems in the world. Only the proprietary Oracle database and the small embeddable SQLite are more widely deployed. MySQL is named after the eldest daughter of Ulf Michael Widenius, the main author of the original version of MySQL who's daughter's name is My. According to documentation, the correct pronunciation is MySQL which is how I will pronounce it in this course.

Of course, you're free to say, my sequel or pronounce it however it works for you. Chances are people will know what you mean. Currently MySQL is owned by Oracle Corporation. In 2008, Sun Microsystems purchased MySQL and in 2010, Oracle purchased Sun Microsystems including MySQL. MySQL is a relational database management system. It uses a client server model which means that the database typically runs on a server. And the data is accessed over a network by clients and workstations.

MySQL uses the structured query language SQL to define, update and query the database. SQL is used on virtually all major relational database systems, on many platforms and in many applications. In this course I'll cover the essential skills necessary to use and program a database using MySQL. It is the nature of database management systems that there is tremendous divergence between how SQL is implemented in each system. Most of this course is devoted showing you how SQL is implemented by MySQL and how it can be used effectively in your database applications.