Sun: Getting Started with MySQL
I've recently been getting a lot of calls from people looking at getting started with MySQL. A lot of them are looking at the Enterprise Edition. If you are looking at getting started, I recommend the following:
- Start with the Community Edition. It contains all the key functionality you need to get started. Once you get comfortable, then you can install the Enterprise Edition.
- Use the default installers and the default configuration for a simple install. Once you have gotten very comfortable with the default install you should read about MOCA (MySQL Optimial Configuration Architecture) at mysql-dba-journey.blogspot.com. It talks about best practices for configurating a MySQL server.
- MySQL has a lot of subtle differences from other database vendors that can create challenges. Make sure you spend time learning MySQL. Areas to spend time on include: Storage Engines, SQL_Mode and the client utilities.
- Get comfortable with the MySQL architecture. The MySQL 5.0 Certification Guide is a very well written book to get you started on the basics of database administration with MySQL.
- Learn the basics of backup and recovery with MySQL
- Learn the top 10 areas to tune for the MySQL database server
