# Chapter 1 General Information

**Table of Contents**

[1.1 About This Manual](manual-info.html)
[1.2 Overview of the MySQL Database Management System](what-is.html)
[1.2.1 What is MySQL?](what-is-mysql.html)
[1.2.2 The Main Features of MySQL](features.html)
[1.2.3 History of MySQL](history.html)
[1.3 What Is New in MySQL 8.0](mysql-nutshell.html)
[1.4 Server and Status Variables and Options Added, Deprecated, or Removed in
MySQL 8.0](added-deprecated-removed.html)
[1.5 MySQL Information Sources](information-sources.html)
[1.6 How to Report Bugs or Problems](bug-reports.html)
[1.7 MySQL Standards Compliance](compatibility.html)
[1.7.1 MySQL Extensions to Standard SQL](extensions-to-ansi.html)
[1.7.2 MySQL Differences from Standard SQL](differences-from-ansi.html)
[1.7.3 How MySQL Deals with Constraints](constraints.html)
[1.8 Credits](credits.html)
[1.8.1 Contributors to MySQL](contributors.html)
[1.8.2 Documenters and translators](documenters-translators.html)
[1.8.3 Packages that support MySQL](packages.html)
[1.8.4 Tools that were used to create MySQL](tools-used-to-create-mysql.html)
[1.8.5 Supporters of MySQL](supporters.html)

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 The MySQL software delivers a very fast, multithreaded, multi-user, and robust SQL (Structured Query Language) database server. MySQL Server is intended for mission-critical, heavy-load production systems as well as for embedding into mass-deployed software. Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliates. MySQL is a trademark of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliates, and shall not be used by Customer without Oracle's express written authorization. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

 The MySQL software is Dual Licensed. Users can choose to use the MySQL software as an Open Source product under the terms of the GNU General Public License ([http://www.fsf.org/licenses/](http://www.fsf.org/licenses/)) or can purchase a standard commercial license from Oracle. See [http://www.mysql.com/company/legal/licensing/](http://www.mysql.com/company/legal/licensing/) for more information on our licensing policies.

 The following list describes some sections of particular interest in this manual:

* For a discussion of MySQL Database Server capabilities, see [Section 1.2.2, “The Main Features of MySQL”](features.html).

* For an overview of new MySQL features, see [Section 1.3, “What Is New in MySQL 8.0”](mysql-nutshell.html). For information about the changes in each version, see the [Release Notes](https://dev.mysql.com/doc/relnotes/mysql/8.0/en/).

* For installation instructions, see [Chapter 2, *Installing and Upgrading MySQL*](installing.html). For information about upgrading MySQL, see [Section 2.11, “Upgrading MySQL”](upgrading.html).

* For a tutorial introduction to the MySQL Database Server, see [Chapter 3, *Tutorial*](tutorial.html).

* For information about configuring and administering MySQL Server, see [Chapter 5, *MySQL Server Administration*](server-administration.html).

* For information about security in MySQL, see [Chapter 6, *Security*](security.html).

* For information about setting up replication servers, see [Chapter 17, *Replication*](replication.html).

* For information about MySQL Enterprise, the commercial MySQL release with advanced features and management tools, see [Chapter 30, *MySQL Enterprise Edition*](mysql-enterprise.html).

* For answers to a number of questions that are often asked concerning the MySQL Database Server and its capabilities, see [Appendix A, *MySQL 8.0 Frequently Asked Questions*](faqs.html).

* For a history of new features and bug fixes, see the [Release Notes](https://dev.mysql.com/doc/relnotes/mysql/8.0/en/).

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Important

 To report problems or bugs, please use the instructions at [Section 1.6, “How to Report Bugs or Problems”](bug-reports.html). If you find a security bug in MySQL Server, please let us know immediately by sending an email message to `<[secalert_us@oracle.com](mailto:secalert_us@oracle.com)>`. Exception: Support customers should report all problems, including security bugs, to Oracle Support.

