Features of MySQL 5.0
The following features are introduced in MySQL 5.0.
BIT Data Type: It is used for store numbers in binary format.
Cursors: Can use server-side cursors.
Data Dictionary (Information Schema): This feature introduced in MySQL 5.0 provides a standards-compliant means for accessing the MySQL Server’s metadata; that is, data about the databases (schemas) on the server and the objects which they contain.
Instance Manager: Can be used to start and stop the MySQL Server, even from a remote host.
Precision Math: Used for acceptance or rejection of data, and implemented a new library for fixed-point arithmetic.
These feature has been introduced for much higher degree of accuracy for mathematical operations and greater control over invalid values.
Storage Engines: Storage engines added in MySQL 5.0 include ARCHIVE and FEDERATED.
Stored Routines: Support for named stored procedures and stored functions
Strict Mode and Standard Error Handling: MySQL 5.0 added a strict mode where by it follows standard SQL in a number of ways in which it did not previously. Support for standard SQLSTATE error messages was also implemented.
Triggers: MySQL 5.0 added limited support for triggers.
VARCHAR Data Type: The maximum effective length of a VARCHAR column was increased to 65,535 bytes, and stripping of trailing whitespace was eliminated. (The actual maximum length of a VARCHAR is determined by the maximum row size and the character set you use. The maximum effective column length is subject to a row size of 65,535 bytes.)
Views: support for named, updatable views.
