If you are looking to learn MySQL for the first time, you may find some frustration in the fact that this reads more like a reference book and that the sample tables used throughout arent very realistic. The book also gives good examples of how to use mysql with various programming languages. Otherwise, programmers who use mysql will find this a great reference to have. Hopefully this will be updated to reflect newer versions of the MySQL language.

Working with MySQL can be challenging, but not if you have this book as a reference. The author does an incredibly thorough job of detailing common (and some not-so-common) tasks that you are likely to need. Code examples are provided in three (3!) different languages and even gives you a primer on modularizing your code in the first few chapters. Definitely one of the best books on MySQL out there today.