You are here: Home / 2012 / Archives for February 2012

Why SQL_MODE is essential even when not perfect

by

In a recent rant on Why I think SQL_MODE is useless…, I wanted to counteract this statement with why we MUST all use SQL_MODE, even with the inherit flaws.

The fundamental principle of a database is to restore and retrieve data. When I can insert data into the database and then I select this data it is different, this is fundamentally wrong. This is a loss of essential data integrity, something a database should NEVER do.

SQL_MODE solves the problem of “silent truncation” in most instances, and produces an all important error. As pointed out, the SQL_MODE has several limitations, however the benefits do out way the risks. Quality control on source code can reduce the limitations, but no amount of coding can stop the CRUD that comes out of the database without some SQL_MODE settings.

I would ask two more important questions.

  1. How in the first place can such a critical feature of silent data truncation ever be permitted in MySQL? Who made that decision and why?
  2. When is the owner of MySQL codebase realize this is rather ridiculous and enforce essential minimual data integrity that can be obtain with options including STRICT_ALL_TABLES, NO_ZERO_DATE, NO_ZERO_IN_DATE and NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION.

References

Colorado MySQL Users Group Presentation

by

In addition to speaking at RMOUG event in Denver, I also spoke today in Broomfield on “Improving MySQL Performance with Better Indexes”.

This presentation included details on :

  • Effective examples of capture SQL via application logging and TCP/IP analysis necessary for identifying the best candidates. Slow is not always the best query to start with.
  • All the commands necessary to identify why you may need an index, how to create varying types of indexes, and how to confirm there true effectiveness.
  • How the number of table rows and different storage engines can greatly effect the optimization choice and query performance
  • The presentation shows how to determine/create and verify covering indexes for a single table example, a master/child example and a production 13 table join.

You can obtain the slides from Improving MySQL Performance With Better Indexes Presentation.

Event Details

MySQL Security Essentials Presentation

by

Today at the RMOUG Training Days 2012 event I gave an introduction presentation on MySQL Security Essentials covering the following topics:

  • MySQL Security defaults
  • MySQL Security Improvements
  • OS Security
  • User Privileges
  • Data Integrity
  • Installation Practices
  • Auditing Options
  • Better Security
  • Further References

Download slides for MySQL Security Essentials.

Determining consulting rates

by

It can be hard sometimes, particularly with startups to determine what to charge. I have tried various models over the years from nothing, to greatly reduced, to full-price. Nothing works well.

As one of the top consultants in MySQL, I kept my rates down as an individual to compete competitively with the 3 or 4 other companies world wide that provide relative services, this in the end hurt my bottom line.

I charge a premium rate that matches my skills, expertise and competitors. I charge that for all customers, large, small, old and new. When the value of my work in performance tuning, disaster management, scalability and architecture is offset by the loss of potential or future business it is not difficult to justify a reasonable rate. I also continue to speak extensively, write and publish materials that provides detailed practical knowledge for organizations and individuals that can invest the time, but not the money.

I am still shocked when large established companies want a discount, just last week for a few hours work a company wanted 33% off.

An extract from “3 Things Entrepreneurs Should Never Depend On When Starting A Company” provides a great re-enforcement about what is appropriate pricing.

Fearful Pricing

When I started my business, I undercharged for my service. I didn’t have the confidence to ask for a decent price, and I thought I had to have the lowest price in order to get business.

What did these practices get me? Low profits and poor cash flow.

In order to survive as a startup—both financially and mentally—it’s crucial that you make sure you’re receiving maximum reward for your maxed out efforts. If you don’t see the true value in your business, how do you expect your clients to do so? Your work is worth it; adjust your prices accordingly.

Read more: Business Insider