Now you know some rudimentary commands for running a database in MySQL. Since MySQL is operated by executing SQL calls, you have a broad array of very powerful tools at your disposal. For instance, you're able to display data from several tables at once by joining related fields.

Similarly, SQL permits complex displays, updates or deletions of multiple records which fit specific criteria. So, your next step toward mastery is learning all about SQL.

James Hoffman has put a tutorial page up on the web entitled Introduction to Structured Query Language .

Another thing to note is MySQL offers good security features you'll need to use when operating on networks.

To learn more about MySQL and how to use it, the manual should be your first stop. Also, Paul DuBois' book, MySQL , comes highly recommended. . In addition, the archives of the main list and the Win32 list are tremendous resources. The NYPHP user group has started a MySQL interest group you may find helpful.

If you're curious about database portability, you may find the Building Truly Portable Database Applications in PHP presentation interesting.

If you'll be developing hypertext interfaces to your databases using PHP, check out our SQL SolutionT . It's a powerful, user friendly, platform independent API that will make your job a snap! Similarly, you might want to examine PEAR DB , a popular open source database abstraction layer (of which I'm the lead developer).

Also, if your scripts accept user input, the Form SolutionT is a handy tool for cleaning user input, generating HTML / XHTML compliant date/time form elements, validating and formatting date/time inputs and holding all variables submitted by a form. The result is improved security and data quality.