phpMyAdmin exists for you to run a MySql database via PHP commands, but also by doing so thru a web interface. In part this is because the web page paradigm is so dominant. But also because MySql for all its power is rather awkward to directly deal with, unless you are already expert in it. Yes, I know that sounds a little circular, because it certainly is. Breaking out of that rough input impedance is why this book teaches phpMyAdmin.
There are many general purpose settings that you can configure. Chapter 3 walks through the most important of these. You also need to learn the syntax of the directives that control the settings. The notation is not the most concise, but at least as evidenced by the book's examples, it can be fairly self documenting. Speaking of general settings, one of the nicest is surely the ability to pick your language. The labels and other online help have been i18n to the major languages.
But perhaps the most common administration activities you'll need relate to editing and deleting data in a table - or rather, in a subset of a table. Typically this will be in a single row. Then multiple rows. The text shows that this is straightforward. More complex tasks are possible - like changing the structure of an existing table. A common operation is to add a column and edit its attributes. Via phpMyAdmin, all this is possible.
Note that the author assumes that you are already versed in the theory of relational databases and in the syntax of SQL. Given this, you can treat the entire text as a nice GUI front end to avoid as much as possible a direct editing of SQL commands. The GUI makes it easier and less error prone.
The text also roams into ancillary topics that are not strictly SQL, but which are largely unavoidable. There is a brief walkthrough of XML, LaTex, CSV and PDF. As a database administrator, you may well run into these, when gathering input data into your MySql tables.
But perhaps the nicest features are in Chapter 12, which deals with advanced issues of multi-table queries. You can make automatic joins. And there is a visual builder tool that provides a very intuitive means of making a long query.
m_k_o
Posted April 3, 2012
This book is really a good read. First off all, it will guide your through all the odds and ends of phpMyAdmin. In case you have never ever worked with this tool before, there is no better place to start.
Marc shows various aspects of phpMyAdmin basing his book on a tutorial like convention. All you have to do is to understand what he says, and follow his steps. This way, after reading the book, you will have your own copy of phpMyAdmin ready to go. As this book is an easy to follow by beginners it may be slightly boring for advanced phpMyAdmin admins who are looking for phpMyAdmin reference.
I am giving five here, even though I would expect more condensed content. However, this book is advertised (at the cover) as book for beginners. It is exactly as cover says – the book is an easy, gentle, and comprehensive introduction to phpMyAdmin.
