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MySQL is used to input, process, and manage data. Learn MySQL with online courses delivered through edX.

What is MySQL?

MySQL, a relational database management system (RDBMS), enables users to process and handle data stored in any computer database. Regardless of the database in question — which can be as simple as a list of items or photos, or as complex as an information-dense corporate network — MySQL and other database management tools are crucial to working with any form of computer-based data.1 Based on Structured Query Language (SQL), the MySQL system consists of a number of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), which provide a visual means of interacting with databases.2 Some MySQL GUIs include:3

  • MySQL Workbench, a tool for data modeling, SQL management, administration, server configuration, and more.

  • Sequel Pro, a macOS-based app that streamlines database management on MySQL.

  • TablePlus, a tool for native build for each platform to manage multiple databases.

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What is covered in a MySQL tutorial?

Data professionals of all backgrounds can benefit from in-depth knowledge of MySQL. A MySQL tutorial could cover the following:4

  • Queries: These commands are used to retrieve data from one or more tables.

  • Data types: MySQL users harness a handful of common SQL data types. These include strings, numerics, dates, and times.

  • GUIs: You may also explore GUIs, such as MySQL Workbench and HeidiSQL.

  • Database design: After mastering queries, data types, tables, and other fundamentals, you’ll learn how to create a simple database. Following the design stage, you may dive into phpMyAdmin, a GUI used to populate and manage databases.

  • Security: Here, you might be introduced to privileges, which enable access to administration, databases, and certain objects within databases.

Explore MySQL jobs

MySQL expertise is helpful in many roles. These may include:

  • Data engineer: These data experts use a number of SQL-driven RDBMSs, including MySQL, to process and manage large amounts of data.5

  • Machine learning engineer: These engineers might use MySQL HeatWave, a MySQL cloud service with built-in machine learning capabilities, to create and deploy predictive models.6

  • MySQL database administrator: This role requires advanced knowledge of MySQL. These administrators are tasked with installing, maintaining, and integrating MySQL.

MySQL skills alone aren’t sufficient for every role. Some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, while others may require specialized knowledge that can be acquired through a boot camp.

How to become a MySQL administrator online

If you’re an aspiring MySQL database administrator or data professional, you may want to consider mastering the following complementary or foundational subjects:

  • SQL: To properly use MySQL, you must first learn SQL, the system’s foundational programming language.

  • Data structures: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of data structures and fundamental computer science topics can help you organize and manipulate data on MySQL.

  • Cloud computing: Some MySQL services, such as Google’s Cloud SQL, involve building and monitoring MySQL databases on the cloud.7

In general, requirements vary by role and company. Some jobs may call for a bachelor’s degree in data science or computer science, or a master’s degree in data science. Other professionals may decide to attend a coding boot camp or a data analytics boot camp to learn MySQL.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What Is MySQL? (n.d.). MySQL. Retrieved December 19, 2022.

    2. How to Create a MySQL GUI in 5 Steps. (2022). Budibase. Retrieved December 19, 2022.

    3. Sequel Pro vs MySQL Workbench vs TablePlus. (2018). TablePlus. Retrieved February 1, 2023.

    4. Chapter 3 Tutorial. (2023). MySQL. Retrieved February 1, 2023.

    5. Data Engineering: What Is a Data Engineer and How Do I Become One? (2022). Integrate.io. Retrieved December 19, 2022.

    6. Oracle’s Latest MySQL Heatwave Cloud Database Simplifies Use of Machine Learning. (2022). Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Blog. Retrieved December 19, 2022.

    7. Cloud SQL for MySQL Documentation. (n.d.). Google Cloud. Retrieved December 19, 2022.