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MySQL 5.1 Reference Manual :: A MySQL 5.1 Frequently Asked Questions :: A.7 MySQL 5.1 FAQ — INFORMATION_SCHEMA
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A.7. MySQL 5.1 FAQ — INFORMATION_SCHEMA

Questions

  • 23.7.1: Where can I find documentation for the MySQL INFORMATION_SCHEMA database?

  • 23.7.2: Can I add to or otherwise modify the tables found in the INFORMATION_SCHEMA database?

  • 23.7.3: Is there a discussion forum for INFORMATION_SCHEMA?

  • 23.7.4: Where can I find the ANSI SQL 2003 specification for INFORMATION_SCHEMA?

  • 23.7.5: What is the difference between the Oracle Data Dictionary and MySQL's INFORMATION_SCHEMA?

Questions and Answers

23.7.1: Where can I find documentation for the MySQL INFORMATION_SCHEMA database?

See Chapter 20, INFORMATION_SCHEMA Tables

23.7.2: Can I add to or otherwise modify the tables found in the INFORMATION_SCHEMA database?

No. Since applications may rely on a certain standard structure, this should not be modified. For this reason, we cannot support bugs or other issues which result from modifying INFORMATION_SCHEMA tables or data.

23.7.3: Is there a discussion forum for INFORMATION_SCHEMA?

See http://forums.mysql.com/list.php?101.

23.7.4: Where can I find the ANSI SQL 2003 specification for INFORMATION_SCHEMA?

Unfortunately, the official specifications are not freely available. (ANSI makes them available for purchase.) However, there are books available — such as SQL-99 Complete, Really by Peter Gulutzan and Trudy Pelzer — which give a comprehensive overview of the standard, including INFORMATION_SCHEMA.

23.7.5: What is the difference between the Oracle Data Dictionary and MySQL's INFORMATION_SCHEMA?

Both Oracle and MySQL provide metadata in tables. However, Oracle and MySQL use different table names and column names. MySQL's implementation is more similar to those found in DB2 and SQL Server, which also support INFORMATION_SCHEMA as defined in the SQL standard.