Re: Why would you use MySQL with PHP instead of the native DB2 with PHP on iSeries

If you're the person writing the software, the main attraction to using MySQL is that your software will be cross-platform. MySQL exists for almost every operating system out there.

If you're downloading/running existing an existing software package, the advantage to MySQL is that, well, the software may already be written for MySQL, and therefore you don't have to modify it.

The only other advantage I can think of is MySQL's LIMIT clause which is really useful when writing applications that have to "page" through a result set in a stateless manner. But that's a little thing that you can work around in DB2 if you have to.

FWIW, using the DB2 storage engine for MySQL, your data *can* be in a physical file, even though your application uses MySQL.


Shannon ODonnell wrote:

Assume you are using Zend's port of PHP on iSeries with its os/400 - like
native database APIs.

Why would you choose to use MySQL database instead of the native DB2
databases with PHP when you're running PHP on the iSeries?

Is there something inherently easier in using MySQL with PHP as opposed to
using, say, a physical file?
I am at a crossroads where I could choose to do it either way. My
inclination is to use the native DB2 but I'm open to suggestions as to why
it might be better to use a MySQL database instead.