Windows has a hard coded file descriptor limit of 2048 when using the C runtime library which limits the number of files that can be opened simultaneously. This can be a significant performance issue when hosting a busy MySQL server on Windows as MySQL uses the C runtime library to access the file system. This limit of 2048 simultaneously opened files can cause performance issues for MySQL when the table cache value needs to be higher than this. To improve the performance of repeatedly opening tables MySQL places these tables in the table cache, however on a busy MySQL server the table cache may need to be set to a value of several thousand for optimal performance. The double whammy here is that the MyISAM database engine in MySQL needs to open two file descriptors for each unique open table. So by the time you account for temporary tables and other files the maximum effective table cache value for MySQL on Windows when using the MyISAM database engine is actually a good deal less than half of the hard coded file descriptor limit of 2048 imposed by Windows (circa 950 in my experience). So what can be done to work around this?

In previous guides I've discussed how to create MySQL users, create MySQL databases and even how to assign MySQL priviledges via the command line. One thing I have not covered is how to backup and restore your database via the command line. In this guide we'll use the tried and tested SQL dump method to create a backup of your databases which we'll then use to restore them back to their original state. The methods used here are quite basic, but a knowledge of how to use the command line are necessary.

There is little doubt that MySQL is one of, if not the most popular open source database in the world. Take a look at most of the popular PHP applications and you'll find that MySQL more often than not heads up the supported databases list. No matter what you use MySQL for, it is likely that the data it stores is the most important component of your environment which means a suitable backup plan should be high on your agenda. There are two main methods for backing up your MySQL databases; An SQL dump or a raw file copy. As MySQL MyISAM databases are stored as files the raw file copy method is quicker to backup and restore, however unlike the SQL dump method the files are not directly editable in a text editor and InnoDB databases are not supported. In this guide we'll be looking at a batch script that manages the backup of all your databases end to end using the SQL dump method.

The final task once you have created your MySQL database and created your MySQL user account is to assign privileges. With MySQL 5 this can be done on a global, database, table, column and routine level. Typically though once you have your root account created then other accounts are assigned privileges at the database level, and that is what will be covered in this guide.

Now that you have installed your MySQL 5 server on your Windows server, it is time to start getting into the nuts and bolts of it. In this guide we'll show you the steps needed to create a new MySQL user by using the MySQL command line client. In most instances these days you'll be able to use a GUI manager for MySQL such as phpMyAdmin, but in some instances you may need to do it via the command line. Creating a user is a very easy procedure, so lets get into it.

So you followed the MySQL 5 installation guide and have MySQL installed and ready to go. The next step will be to create a user and database so you can start using MySQL, and in this guide we'll show you how the basics of how to create a database on your Windows based system. There are many ways to do this as there are a lot of support tools out there for MySQL. In this guide though we'll stick to the basics and show you how to add a database using the MySQL command line client.

MySQL Server is one of the most popular database servers in the world, especially for use with dynamic, content rich websites. in fact the website you are looking at now is powered by MySQL. This guide will walk you through all the steps needed to both install and configure your MySQL 5 server on your Windows machine. Make sure you read the steps carefully as they explain why you should and shouldn't enable some options, and if your get stuck you can always get help right here in our forums. Lets get on with the guide...