In this chapter, we rounded out your knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL), as supported by MySQL. We focused predominantly on features of SELECT that allow you to view information stored in a database with an unprecedented level of flexibility and power. With judicious use of the advanced features of SELECT, you can have MySQL do what it does best and lighten the load on PHP in the process.
There are still a few isolated query types, mainly to do with indexes, that we haven't seen, and MySQL offers a whole library of built-in functions to do things like calculate dates and format text strings (see "MySQL Functions"). To become truly proficient with MySQL, you should also have a firm grasp on the various column types offered by MySQL. The TIMESTAMP type, for example, can be a real time saver (no pun intended). All of these are fully documented in the MySQL Manual, and briefly covered in "MySQL Column Types".
In "Advanced PHP", I look at some useful features of PHP we haven't had the opportunity to cover. From tightening security to sending email, from handling file uploads to lightening the load on your server, I guarantee it's a chapter not to be missed!