What is MySQL ?

MySQL (pronounced My Ess Que Ell) is a software package that facilitates the storage and manipulation of large amounts of data.

It is a multi user database server that controls access to databases and tables, and is estimated to be in use on over 4 million installations. MySQL is very different to usual desktop applications such as Microsoft's Excel or Access.

SQL (Structured Query Language), is used to manage and organise the data.

A scripting language (like PHP), allows access to the data by running SQL commands remotely on the web server, and then delivering the results to a web browser.

These SQL commands are embedded within PHP, which are in turn embedded within your web page.

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