MySQL and mSQL are two Open Source relational database products for small to moderate-sized databases. The book is divided into three parts. The first part introduces RDBMSs, database design, SQL and covers the installation and running of the two products. A comparison with other RDBMSs is made, what is contained and omitted within MySQL and mSQL.

The second part covers the application interfaces into the database, like Perl, python, C, C++ APIs and JDBC. One chapter covers database architecture and CGI programming, because some of these languages are often used in web applications.

The third part is a clear reference to all the details that you would need when you are using one of these databases. It contains a SQL reference, a reference for the utilities that come with both products and a reference to all the APIs that were covered in the second part of the book.

The book is clearly written with enough examples and references to other sources. It is a good reference for people already using MySQLor mSQL, but probably even a better introduction to people considering whether they can use MySQL or mSQL. I would consider the book to have an above average clarity and layout, but could not verify the completeness of the reference material, because I am not using one of these products.