In this authoritative reference, Perl expert Brent Michalski uses plenty of examples to help you master Perl's capabilities in database applications with MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle. Along the way, he explores practical applications for cutting-edge technologies like XML and Web services. If you're a Perl novice, the comprehensive code samples and step-by-step explanations will have you writing database applications quickly and confidently. If you're experienced, this definitive guidebook has everything you need to move ahead with Web programming, problem tracking, automatic e-mail reports, and much more.

You'll learn how to:

• Understand different database models, DBIs, and DBDs
• Set up relational databases, retrieve information, and generate reports
• Tie a Perl hash to a database and track users with cookies
• Generate and deliver automatic e-mail reports
• Use tied hashes to create Web-based shopping carts
• Handle binary data and submit BLOB data
• Create phonebooks, photo albums, and a SOAP-based catalog

Contents

Part I: Perl and Database Fundamentals.

• Database Basics.
• Working with a Database.
• Working with Database Tables.
• Fetching Data from the Database (Basics).
• Making Changes to Your Data.

Part II: Advanced Database Programming.

• Web Database Programming.
• Fetching Data from the Database (Advanced).
• Working with Binary (BLOB) Data.
• Session Management with Tied Hashes.
• Using Database Transactions.

Part III: Perl and Web Services.

• Perl, XML, and Databases.
• Creating a SOAP-Based Catalog.
• Sending Automatic E-mail Reports.

Part IV: Perl and General Web Programming.

• Creating a Phonebook.
• Creating a Web-Based Shopping Cart.
• Creating a Web-Based Photo Album.

Appendix A: Configuring Your System.
Appendix B: Common SQL Reference.
Appendix C: MySQL Command Reference.
Appendix D: DBI Reference.