What is mysql? and do I need to be a programmer to use it?

[kirti]

I am a designer and I have been asked to put together an updateable slideshow in flash. I am interested in some software called "Slideshow Pro Director" which seems to be an easy way to do this. I was having a look through the documentation for this software and it says you need to have a mysql database set up on the server in order to do it. Is this something that I need to do, or would my web host take care of the mysql database?

I'm not a programmer, so I don't think I would have a clue about something like mysql. Should I get this "slideshow pro" software or would the mysql element cause it to be completely over my head (as a non-programmer). Thanks for your help

[Ralph_Wilson]

Although you don't need to be a programmer to use MySQL...I would suggest having a knowledge of the application and how to use it in a basic way. Below is a website for MySQL

[dpmclean]

Most web hosts already mySQL installed on their servers and you can then quickly create new databases through their control panel. They also typically bundle software such as phpMyAdmin in the control panel as well. This is a great web front-end for editing of a mySQL database, so that you don't have to know the syntax of SQL statements yourself.

[YoYo]

After all, mySQL is a free database (better than Acess)you can download. Most web applications written in php use mySQL as well.

[mrjv]

>> Is this something that I need to do, or would my web host take care of the mysql database?

You'll need a Web host that provides MySQL databases as part of its hosting packages. Almost all do at no added cost. Make sure the version of MySQL they have meets the version your software requires.

>> Should I get this "slideshow pro" software or would the mysql element cause it to be completely over my head (as a non-programmer).

All photo gallery software of this sort is technically complicated. However, if it's made well, you should be able to control it completely from its administrative interface; you shouldn't have to mess witn the nuts and bolts of it.

Make sure whatever software you buy, however, includes telephone tech support, and ask for references. If you can't get either, be wary, because if it breaks, you'll probably be SOL.

[fundu]

MySQL is a free SQL engine and many webhosts provide this. This is used for creating and manipulating databases with the help of SQL (structured query language) commands. You'll not require a programmer and the database will be created automatically when you install the script. Just you need to have MySQL and it should be running. That's all...

[Drew888]

mysql is pretty easy to understand. Your hosting should have it already and you'll be able to find tutorials to help you learn the basics. You can also search online for tutorials if you want. I taught myself within a matter of a few hours to set up a database for a script I purchased. I have set up many databases since and everything I learned I learned online by teaching myself.

[anow2]

Its not a programming language, its just a few commands that are stringed together, to make a 'query'.

And if you aren't needing to execute through PHP theres no need to remember them, just use PHPMyAdmin.

If you want me to, I will help you install it, just contact me on MSN... I will be adding my MSN Name to my profile in under a minute =]

[Cameron]

It should be pretty safe to use this software. If you have cPanel, Click on the MySQL databases. If not I can help you, I am a webhost, Just PM me.