MySQL The following extract is taken from the MySQL web site at http://www.mysql.com: MySQL is a relational database management system. A relational database stores data in separate tables rather than putting all the data in one big storeroom. This adds speed and flexibility. The tables are linked by defined relations making it possible to combine data from several tables on request. The SQL part of 'MySQL' stands for 'Structured Query Language' - the most common standardised language used to access databases. Using this language you can interact with MySQL as well as by using applications that support Open Database Connectivity (ODBC). Both of these are industry standards.