How to choose the distribution format for MySQL

When you choose the version of MySQL installed, the second decision to make is whether you are using a source distribution or a binary distribution. In most cases, if you already have a binary distribution on your platform, you may use the binary distribution version. Most platforms can use the original format binary distribution, such as Linux using RPM files, Mac OS x using the DMG installation package. You can also use a ZIP file or a compressed tar file.

Reasons for choosing a binary distribution:

· The binary distribution is easier to install than the source distribution version.

· To meet the needs of different users, we provide two different versions: one is compiled with a non transaction storage engine (a small fast library), and the other is configured with the most important extension options, such as a transaction security table. All two versions are compiled from the same source distribution. All local MySQL clients can connect to any version of the MySQL server.

Extensions to the MySQL library distribution are labeled with the-max suffix and are configured with the same options as Mysqld-max.

If you want to use Mysql-max rpm, you must first install standard mysql-server rpm.

In some environments, it is best to install the source distribution version of MySQL:

· You want to install MySQL in some obvious location. The standard binary distribution can be installed anywhere, but you want to be more flexible about putting MySQL components somewhere.

· You want to configure MYSQLD to some of the special features not included in the standard binary distribution. Here are some of the most common options you'll want to use:

--with-innodb (used by default in all MySQL 5.1 library versions)

--with-berkeley-db (only for part of the platform)

--with-libwrap

--with-name D-z-libs (for partial binaries)

--with-debug[=full]

· You want to configure the mysqld with some of the special features already included in the standard binary distribution. For example, a generic compiled distribution supports all character sets. If you want a smaller MySQL server, you can recompile the character set that only supports what you need.

· You have a dedicated compiler (such as PGCC) or want to use compiler options that better optimize the application of your processor. The binary distribution is compiled with the option of a variety of processors for the same processor family.

· You want to use the latest source code in the BitKeeper library to access all the latest bug fixes. For example, if you find a vulnerability and report it to the MySQL development team, the bug fix is passed to the source library and you can access it. A bug fix will not occur until the release is actually released.

· If you want to read (or modify) the C and C + + code that makes up MySQL, you should get the source distribution version. Source code is always the final manual.

· The source distribution version also contains more tests and instances than the binary distribution.