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MySQL Database

About MySQL

MySQL is a fast, popular open source Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Unix AAPT Web customers can order MySQL as an additional service. Please contact your account manager for pricing and ordering information.

Using your MySQL service

When your MySQL order is complete, you will receive the details you need to connect to the database server. MySQL resides on a remote server, rather than locally on the Unix hosting cluster. This means you will need to connect to the MySQL server with these details:

Username: may or may not be the same as your VWS cage login.
Password: keep this secure to prevent third party access.
Port: each customer's MySQL service runs on a different port.
Server: mysql.connect.com.au

AAPT does not provide support for scripts that you use with your site. It is your responsibility to configure and debug your scripts so that they correctly interact with the MySQL server.

Connecting with Perl

To connect to your MySQL database using Perl you would use a connection string similar to this:

use DBI;
$hostname = 'mysql.connect.com.au:port';
$database = 'testdb';
$user     = 'username';
$password = 'password';
$driver   = 'mysql';
$dsn      = "DBI:$driver:database=$database;host=$hostname";
$db = DBI->connect($dsn, $user, $password);

Connecting from the command line

If you log into your AAPT Web cage on hosting.connect.com.au using telnet (or SSH), you can use the command line utilities that come with MySQL. Refer to the documentation for usage details. The scripts are located in /opt/mysql/bin/

For example, you might run the MySQL command interpreter with:
$ /opt/mysql/bin/mysql -h mysql.connect.com.au -P port -u username -p

Populating your databases

ConnectWeb Unix clients may upload data to their MySQL database by either using Perl/PHP scripting, or by using FTP to upload a MySQL Dump file, and then using the command line utilities to import the data. You do not have direct access to mysql.connect.com.au, so you can't upload actual MySQL data files.

If using telnet, the MySQL command line interfaces can be found at: /opt/mysql/bin/.

AAPT will not upload clients databases for them, except under very severe circumstances (Eg: databases over 20MB). A fee may be charged for this service.

phpMyAdmin

phpMyAdmin is a popular web based interface for interacting with a MySQL database. It is an alternative to using the MySQl command line, and it provides similar functionality. Eg. creating tables, issuing queries, loading data files, etc.

phpMyAdmin can be installed upon request to AAPT Support . Once it has been installed, you access it via http://mysqladmin.connect.com.au/username where username is your MySQL username. You will need your MySQL password for access.

Very large databases

MySQL is not suitable for very large databases. If you need very large databases, you may wish to investigate having your own Oracle host computer either Telehoused at AAPT or on your site with a high speed link back to AAPT. Contact your Account Manager to discuss your options.

Useful Resources

MySQL home page: http://www.mysql.com/
MySQL documentaion: http://www.mysql.com/documentation/index.html
O'Reilly publishes a range of books about MySQL.