Without going into the technical details, SQL is a language which consists of a set of commands that you issue to create, make changes to, and retrieve data from a database. 

These commands can be issued through a Graphical User Interface or by embedding them in a computer program that you write.

The MySQL Control Panel provided as part of your account is a GUI that works over the internet through your web browser. This makes it very convenient for administration of web based database applications. Setting up and managing your database will be done through the MySQL Control Panel.

To allow access to your database through your web site, you will need to create Common Gateway Interface scripts. These scripts are small computer programs which run on the web hosting server and are activated by clicking on a link or a button in a web page. This will allow users of your web site to interact with your web site in a more meaningful manner. Using CGI scripts and MySQL you can maintain account information on visitors, allow people to search and browse catalogs, and much more. 

MySQL is an implementation of the SQL language developed by TcX. It is robust, quick, and very flexible. It provides all of the standard SQL datatypes and commands. MySQL is provided as part of your web site account at no additional charge. MySQL is pronounced “My Ess Que Ell.”

Detailed documentation, licensing information, and much more can be found at the MySQL web site. Many books are available which describe SQL in detail (see References below). If you plan on doing much database development, it is recommended that you review one or more of these.

Please note that Apollo Hosting does not provide technical or development support for MySQL applications.

The MySQL site lists in their documentation page a number of mailing lists concerning MySQL and SQL.