1.5 Putting MySQL to Work: Web Database Applications

By itself, a database offers little value. Even a database such as MySQL, capable of storing several terabytes of data, does little good if the data cannot be quickly searched, retrieved, and manipulated. For the database to be of any value, you must create a database application that is capable of communicating with the database.

Using a scripting language, such as PHP or Perl—both included with NetWare 6.5—you can create a Web database application, or front end, for use with your MySQL database. The scripting language issues commands to the MySQL server, which runs constantly, listening for commands and then manipulating the database accordingly, much like a Web server.

Therefore, scripting languages such as PHP or Perl provides the application component, and MySQL provides the database component, giving you a solid Web database application. Your customers can then access the database through a Web browser.