This is the Reference Manual for the MySQL Database System, version 5.5, through release 5.5.8. Differences between minor versions of MySQL 5.5 are noted in the present text with reference to release numbers (5.5.x). For license information, see the legal notice. This product may contain third-party code. For license information on third-party code, see Appendix A, Licenses for Third-Party Components.

This manual is not intended for use with older versions of the MySQL software due to the many functional and other differences between MySQL 5.5 and previous versions. If you are using an earlier release of the MySQL software, please refer to the appropriate manual. For example, MySQL 5.1 Reference Manual, covers the 5.1 series of MySQL software releases.

If you are using MySQL 5.6, please refer to the MySQL 5.6 Reference Manual.