Can you connect to MySQL through ODBC?

[Dylan B]

Soryr if it's an easy question, but I've neevr done it before.

[HarryR]

Yes you can connect to MySQL through ODBC, but you need to download the MySQL ODBC drivers from http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/connector/odbc/3.51.html .

Then all you do is setup a system/user DSN, select the MySQL driver and configure it then use it as you would with any other ODBC connection.

Regards,
Harry

[Dylan B]

Would a shared host generally have the MySQL drivers installed?

[HarryR]

If you're running your website off a Windows server and they provide a MySQL database for you - then yes they will (otherwise the MySQL database would be useless to ASP etc.).

If you're not running your website off a Windows server then it's really hit-and-miss, as the majority of Linux/Unix web hosting providers I've seen don't give you access to iODBC or UnixODBC.

The bottom line is - ask your hosting provider if you're unsure.

Regards,
Harry