Understanding MySQL Internals

Understanding MySQL Internals
Sasha Pachev
O'Reilly
ISBN: 0596009577
Non-Fiction, Computing, Database Development
Reviewed by John R. Clark

While I am by no means a computer software expert, I have an interest in what works in terms of evolving trends in computing, particularly in relation to the library world. Understanding MySQL Internals is an excellent example of the sort of book that intrigues me. While its depth far exceeds my knowledge, the author has taken great pains to write it in a way that I can read, think, absorb and then read some more. Sasha Pachev has taken great pains to explain each component fully, while keeping in mind that he needs to bring along readers with limited knowledge. I found his description of the history of SQL and MySQL very interesting as was his suggestion that at some point, downloading the code and 'playing' with it would make the book a lot more understandable.
The book is divided into 12 chapters and each one has a well though out introduction and plenty of examples of what the author is describing. In addition, the publisher has made some of the source code available from their website.
Given the interest in open source applications as well as the continuing growth in careers where technology is an integral component, I would recommend this book as an addition to both college and larger public libraries. I will be adding it to the Hartland Public Library and expect active demand via interlibrary loan from other libraries around the state.