Difference between SQL and MySQL

[Zenax]

Okay, if you come accross the thread then u already know, but if not then heres what I am doing.

I am creating a program that can access different types of DB and then edit, change records etc in Visual Basic 6.0

What I want to know is the difference between SQL and MySQL so then I can go about this the right way!

Also if you know how to, then post how to connect to them using Visual Basic 6.0!


Regards,
Zenax

[Chris Z]

try this: http://www.computing.net/programming...rum/12336.html

[Brandon]

The difference between SQL and MySQL is that MySQL is free, whereas SQL is not, and MySQL is faster, more reliable.

[Bryon]

SQL is a language, (Structured Query Language), which provides a way to access (create, delete, modify, etc) data in a relational database system, such as MySQL or Microsoft SQL Server.

MySQL is an open source relational database server, which uses SQL.

[Micro]

SQL is just a type of query. MySQL is a free database server, Microsoft SQL Server is not (The express edition is however).

[Zenax]

so i basically just use MS Acces DB and also MySQL Db in the program, all SQL is, is the coding language for MySQL? is that a correct understanding of it?

[Bryon]

so i basically just use MS Acces DB and also MySQL Db in the program, all SQL is, is the coding language for MySQL? is that a correct understanding of it?

Pretty much. There are a bunch of 'SQL database servers' which use SQL to access, maintain, modify, etc the data in them. SQL is like.. An interface to 'access the servers' data, while the actual server (Eg: MySQL) is what's running on the actual server.

[clareto]

Well, its my turn to explain...

SQL is a standard to query databases and perform administration tasks. SQL is not any software. SQL is not any database engine. SQL is just a standard. By carrying the example to real world things, think of SQL as the "ideal English language", that one that is in academy books.

MSSQL, MySQL, posgreSQL, are database engines (i.e. software), and each of them 'speaks' an specific 'slang' of SQL (all of them based in the SQL standard). Each one exists because there are different kinds of people in the world. Each implementation of the SQL language reflects the thoughts and ideals of each project. Think of each SQL 'slang' like the english spoken in different places. For example, you use English to order a pizza. But you use some words to order a pizza in the Bronx, and similar words to order a pizza in Beverly Hills. It just of 'culture'.

For example, if you say "NATURAL JOIN" or "LIMIT 1,5" to MySql, it will recognize the words. But if you say the same words to MsSQL, it will say "hey! wtf are you trying to say me, man?". You will get a similar response if you say "CALL" or "CREATE PROCEDURE" to mySql 4.x.



In general, all you need to do when making database operations is:
1) connect to the database and get a link to it
2) perform the actions you need using the link. The used language to explain the actions you need is SQL.
3) close the link.


If you use Mysql-php you need to use the libmysql library and use the functions.

When using mysql-php, you do these 3 steps this way
1) call mysql_connect and keep the resource it returns
2) use the functions of the mysql library. Tell them to use the link resource created in step 1. Tell them what do you want to do (like ordering a pizza) using SQL (MySQL).
3) call mysql_close


If you use access-VB, you need to use the ADO (or ADO.NET) library and use the functions.

When using access/mssql - VB.net/C# you do these 3 steps this way
1) create a SqlConnection object and call the open method in it
2) create SqlCommand objects. Tell them to use the SqlConnection created in step 1. Tell them what do you want to do (like ordering a pizza) using SQL (MSSQL)
3) close the connection with close()

This 1-2-3 general procedure also applies for languages like java (connecting through ODBC), but you can find the specific implementation details in the books, in the technology specifications, in the academy, or in tutorials (google for them!)


Hope it helps!

[Zenax]

Thanks Clareto. This really clears up what I needed to know. Also thanks to the other participents in this thread. Again your information was useful to me as well!


Many Thanks,
Zenax