Essential SQL fast provides a comprehensive guide to SQL, using the Windows-based version of MySQL. MySQL is a freely available, multi-platform database management system, making it ideal for learning the techniques and concepts of database design. Using numerous worked examples and illustrations, Matthew Norman describes how to set up the database management system MySQL. In doing so he covers various topics, including: installing and testing MySQL; using the graphical tools; database design techniques and concepts; retrieving, changing and deleting data; and how to make other products communicate with MySQL.

MySQL and Databases.- Installing and Testing MySQL.- How Shall We Store it? - Datatypes.- Designing and Creating Tables.- Populating the Database.- Retrieving the Data.- Joining Tables.- Changing Data.- Deleting our Data.- Aggregate Functions.- Working with Dates and Times.- Securing the Database.- Optimizing MySQL.- Sharing MySQL data with MyODBC.- MySQL with PHP, Apache and Perl.- Making life easier.