There are a number of things to look forward to in MySQL 5.1 such as the support for data partitioning, new replication methods, and logging to the database. One feature that shows promise is a plugin API to extend the database. This is only as good as the plugins developed and their ease of integration. That’s why I was pleased to see that the Debian MySQL 5.1 package will contain the plugins for PBXT and SphinxSE which are both excellent storage engine projects.

I really do think that ip is a big improvement from ifconfig, route, ifup, ifdown, and the other commands it replaces. Still I seem to have trouble remembering which commands you need to use the word “dev” and which ones you don’t and similar minor semantic issues (like parameter ordering). So I decided to try and compile a list of commands I commonly use to be used as a reference for studying.

I setup a virtual server for a client to host a Rails application on an Ubuntu 7.10 system. Here I have documented the steps to install all the necessary pieces of software. This is a MySQL5.0/Rails2.0/Mongrel1.1/Apache2.2 setup with Subversion for source code management. I realize that Apache is not the most popular frontend but for this client security and maturity are important. I also realize that their are alternatives to Mongrel, MySQL, and Subversion as well that are well worth considering. So rather than this being THE Rails stack I think of it as A Rails stack suited for a particular customer.