This book will be useful for anybody who uses MySQL, ranging from individuals who want to use a database for personal projects such as a blog or wiki, to professional database and web developers. The book is also intended for people who do not now use MySQL, but would like to. For example, it will be useful if you want to learn abou t databases but realize that a “big” database system such as Oracle can be daunting as a learning tool. (Perhaps I shouldn’t say that. Oracle bought MySQL in 2010 and is now my employer!) If you’re new to MySQL, you’ll find lots of ways to use it here that may be new to you. If you’re more experienced, you’re probably already familiar with many of the problems addressed here, but may not have had to solve them before and should find the book a great timesaver. Take advantage of the recipes given in the book and use them in your own programs rather than writing the code from scratch. The material ranges from introductory to advanced, so if a recipe describes techniques that seem obvious to you, skip it. Conversely, if you don’t understand a recipe, set it aside and come back to it later, perhaps after reading some of the other recipes. t databases but realize that a “big” database system such as Oracle can be daunting as a learning tool. (Perhaps I shouldn’t say that. Oracle bought MySQL in 2010 and is now my employer!) If you’re new to MySQL, you’ll find lots of ways to use it here that may be new to you. If you’re more experienced, you’re probably already familiar with many of the problems addressed here, but may not have had to solve them before and should find the book a great timesaver. Take advantage of the recipes given in the book and use them in your own programs rather than writing the code from scratch. The material ranges from introductory to advanced, so if a recipe describes techniques that seem obvious to you, skip it. Conversely, if you don’t understand a recipe, set it aside and come back to it later, perhaps after reading some of the other recipes.