Site offer MySQL is a multi-user SQL database management system with over 10 million installations worldwide. MySQL is commonly used within web applications and acts as a database component of the LAMP, MAMP and WAMP platforms.

The rise of PHP as a popular web application has contributed to MySQL's popularity as they are often implemented together. We've picked out a few books covering the subject, which are listed below. All books are discounted by 40 per cent, as usual*.

• MySQL Crash Course (http://books.theregister.co.uk/catalog/browse.asp?ref=744522&advert=mysql)
  Aimed at the beginner/intermediate user, this book will walk you through the basic workings of MySQL using 30 highly focused hands-on lessons. It teaches you what you really need to know, without getting bogged down by what you don't.
• MySQL in a Nutshell (http://books.theregister.co.uk/catalog/browse.asp?ref=721959&advert=mysql)
  MySQL in a Nutshell is the comprehensive desktop reference to all MySQL functions. Programming language APIs for PHP, Perl, and C are covered, as well as all the popular MySQL utilities. MySQL in a Nutshell also includes several tutorial chapters to help newcomers get started.
• Pro MySQL (http://books.theregister.co.uk/catalog/browse.asp?ref=721751&advert=mysql)
  Pro MySQL covers intermediate and advanced features of MySQL, taking you to the next level of MySQL management. Topics include Transaction Processing and Indexing Theory, Benchmarking and Profiling, as well as advanced coverage of storage engines and data types. It delves deep into the MySQL source code and system architecture, picking apart the fundamentals of the application.
• MySQL Phrasebook (http://books.theregister.co.uk/catalog/browse.asp?ref=757912&advert=mysql)
  The MySQL Phrasebook is a pocket guide that is packed with useful and essential code "phrases" for the MySQL developer's everyday use. This book does not use tutorials; it simply presents the most commonly used "phrases" in such a way as to be immediately accessible and useful.
• Beginning MySQL Database Design and Optimisation: From Novice to Professional (http://books.theregister.co.uk/catalog/browse.asp?ref=649366&advert=mysql)
  Beginning MySQL Database Design and Optimisation shows you how to identify and overcome gross inefficiencies and to easily manipulate MySQL. It demonstrates how these features can be harnessed to your advantage to guarantee a more efficient database. Explanation on how to include tests and branches in your queries, how to normalise your database, and how to issue concurrent queries to boost performance are among the many topics covered in this tome.

* Offer correct at time of going to press. Offer covers selected titles only. ®