jag5311 — Thu, 12 Dec 2002 15:49:16 +0000

Dumb question, but how do I know which database I need to download from mysql.com?

I run Windows 98.

Thanks
Bryan

jag5311 — Thu, 12 Dec 2002 15:43:53 +0000

Thank you so much, finally a clear explanation. I bought Ben Forta's Learn MYSQL in 10 minutes, and couldn't figure out where I could start preparing a database

Mark Hensler — Thu, 12 Dec 2002 08:11:19 +0000

I think of Access more of a desktop database for individual use. But, of course, people do use it in a larger scale.

"MySQL is the world's most popular Open Source Database, designed for speed, power and precision in mission critical, heavy load use." -- from the mySQL site. Something I like to brag about: NASA switches from Oracle to MySQL

(SQL) "Microsoft SQL Server ... is the complete database and analysis offering for rapidly delivering the next generation of scalable e-commerce, line-of-business and data warehousing solutions." -- from the Microsoft site.

You really can't compare Access to the other large scale DBs. Access uses non-standard datatypes, contains the whole DB in one file, incorporates 'forms', has a really funky format for queries, and yadda yadda yadda.

Something else which distinguishes Access... one file = one database.
Both mySQL and MS SQL are server. And each server can contain many databases. Just as an IIS or Apache server can contain many VirtualHosts.

Also, mySQL and MS SQL have no concept of 'forms'. Real database servers aren't used for formatting/presenting data. You do that yourself using whichever technology you use to query the DB.

MS SQL and mySQL aren't single files that you manipulate with managing software. Rather, their services (for windows) or servers (for unix), which are running continuously (similar to IIS or Apache).

To administer a MS SQL server, you run a program (forgot the name) on a client and connect to a SQL server. It has a full GUI interface which allows you to administer everything.

To administer a mySQL server, you typically log into a telnet or SSH session. Then run `mysql -u root -p`. This will give you a mySQL prompt which will accept written sql commands. mySQL doesn't come with a GUI. But you can use the popular web based GUI called phpMyAdmin.

Renegade — Thu, 12 Dec 2002 07:31:32 +0000

r u talking about phpmyadmin?

jag5311 — Thu, 12 Dec 2002 06:45:07 +0000

I got a new question. This is a dumb one, but I am completely lost on it. I understand one way of connecting with databases Via ASP, PHP, or CM is through Access database files, I believe .mdb or something extensions. I have heard though, that this can cause problems since the file must be opened online (or something) and sometimes can be corrupt or damaged, especially in a database of 1000's of items. There is also the way of SQL or MYSQL (not sure the difference) but how is that put together. Is there a program that allows you to manage your queries/tables/forms ect.., or is it done using a standard text file. This is where I have gotten confused. With Access, you create your mdb file, upload it, tell your .php,.cm, .asp file to located the particular database file, and match the criteria. What is the NON-ACCESS way.

Thanks in advanced. I am just thirsty for knowledge:)

Bryan

openmind — Wed, 11 Dec 2002 09:14:26 +0000

Oh no, what have I started!

It can also be done with a DSN less connection. Just declare the DSN in the application.cfm file so it can be called on any page like so:

<cfset Get= "
   Driver={Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb)};
   Dbq=MyDatabase.mdb;
   DefaultDir=D:\path2files\;
   Uid=Admin;
   Pwd=Password;">

The CFQUERY section changes slightly to :

<cfquery name="GetExample" connectstring="#Get#" dbtype="DYNAMIC">
  SELECT *
  FROM TableName
  WHERE ProductID = #ProductID#
</cfquery>

I think at the end of the day, you should use which ever language you feel most comfortable with but I am still of the opinion that CF is easier to learn....

So there....

Mark Hensler — Wed, 11 Dec 2002 04:54:51 +0000

When using DSN connections, you refer to the Database by using a pre-determined name. The computer (or server) then chesks it's tables for the specific connection info (host, user, pass).

On WinXP:
Start > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Data Sources (ODBC)
The first tab is "User DSN". Click "Add...", pick your DB type, then specify the connection info.

DSNless connections is just using a standard connection (similar to what is normally done in PHP). The only language I've used both methods in is ASP. I briefly tried using DSN with Java, but gave up before I got it working.

jag5311 — Wed, 11 Dec 2002 03:41:40 +0000

What is the difference betweeen DSN and DSNless

Mark Hensler — Wed, 11 Dec 2002 02:07:40 +0000

I'm guessing Flipper was using a DSN connection (Data Source Name). I've always hated DSN connections. When I program in ASP with SQL server, I always use DSNless connections.

nike_guy_man — Wed, 11 Dec 2002 00:32:42 +0000

<?php
//Select
$output = mysql_fetch_assoc(mysql_query(\"SELECT * FROM tablename WHERE productid = '$productid' \"));
echo \"$output[Name], $output[Model], $output[color]\";
?>

That works for MySQL and PHP... and that assumes you are connected to the DB... does CF require a connection? like mysql_connect() in PHP?