To retrieve information from a database, you first need to have a database. That's where MySQL comes in. MySQL is an open-source high-performance, multi-threaded, multi-user relational database management system (RDBMS) built around a client- server architecture. It was designed specifically for speed and stability and has become one of the most popular RDBMS for database-driven Web applications, both on and off the W eb . Today, more than 4 million web sites create, use, and deploy MySQL-based applications; that number rises daily. Check the MySQL Web site ( http://www.mysql.com/ ) for details.

How can I apply for a MySQL account?

If you are interested in applying for a database account for MySQL, please fill out the Request a MySQL Database Account form.  Your request will be processed within 48 hours and you will be notified via e-mail your account information.

How do I access MySQL once I have an account?

Once access is granted, you can issue queries to databases either via phpMyAdmin or directly from a PHP script.

• To access your database via phpMyAdmin , log on to the page at http://www.uri.edu/phpmyadmin/ with your username and password that were sent to you in the confirmation e-mail. You are then connected to your personal mySQL database via a Web interface!
  
• To access a mySQL database through a php script , use the following code:

  <?php

  mysql_connect("$ DBHost "," $DBUser "," $DBPass ") or die("Unable to connect to server");

  mysql_select_db("$ DBName ") or die("Unable to select database");

  ?>

  where

  $ DBHost is the database host name - WebDB.mis.uri.edu
  $DBUser and $DBPass are the user id and password, respectively, sent to you in the confirmation e-mail and $DBName is the name of your database you requested.

  You can now begin issuing queries through the php script.

How do I use PHP and MySQL to create interactive Web sites?

We do not offer individual consulting or training on the use of PHP and MySQL. Group training in the form of short courses may be offered per availability of instructor. Please check the Office of Information Services Short Courses listing for availability information.

There is also a wealth of information on PHP and MySQL on the Web and in books. Below is a selective list of free Web-based tutorials that we identified to get you started on this subject. Please also refer to the PHP Website or use a search engine like Google for more information.

• Webmonkey - PHP/MySQL Tutorial - hotwired.lycos.com
• Building a Database-Driven Web Site Using PHP and MySQL - www.mysql.com
• PHP/MySQL Tutorial - Part 1 - www.freewebmasterhelp.com
• PHP: MySQL Functions - Manual - www.php.net
• Build your own Database Driven Website using PHP & MySQL - www.zend.com
• Dev Shed - MySQL - www.devshed.com
• Dev Shed - PHP - www.devshed.com

Where can I get help if I am stuck?

The Office of Information Services hosts and maintains servers that support PHP and MySQL, which allow you to develop interactive Web sites. You are responsible for configuration and maintenance of all of your scripts and databases.  You are, however, encouraged to contact the University Webmaster via e-mail ( webmaster@uri.edu ) for technical assistance if you encounter a problem with the server setup.