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MySQL MyISAM storage engine

MyISAM is one of the storage engines used by MySQL. Prior to version 5.5, it was the default storage engine for MySQL. While InnoDB has largely replaced it as the default, MyISAM is still used and can be the best choice for certain types of applications, particularly read-heavy applications.

Here are some key features of the MyISAM storage engine:

Table-Level Locking: MyISAM uses table-level locking, which is a simpler and faster locking mechanism than the row-level locking used by InnoDB. However, table-level locking can be a disadvantage for write-heavy applications where many concurrent writes to the same table can cause contention.
Full-Text Indexing: MyISAM supports full-text indexing which makes it a good choice for applications where you need to perform full-text searches.
Compression: MyISAM allows you to compress your tables, which can save a significant amount of space.
GIS Functionality: MyISAM has extensive support for spatial fields and indexes, making it a good choice for GIS (Geographic Information Systems) applications.

To create a table using the MyISAM storage engine, you can specify the engine when creating the table:

CREATE TABLE my_table (
    id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    name VARCHAR(100)
) ENGINE=MyISAM;

In this example, we're creating a my_table with the MyISAM storage engine.

To convert an existing table from another storage engine to MyISAM, you can use the ALTER TABLE command:

ALTER TABLE my_table ENGINE=MyISAM;

This statement changes the storage engine of my_table to MyISAM.

Please remember that MyISAM is not ACID-compliant and it does not support transactions or foreign keys. It also lacks the crash recovery capabilities of InnoDB. These characteristics make MyISAM less suitable for applications where data integrity is a priority, but it can be an excellent choice for read-heavy applications or applications that require full-text searching or GIS functionality. Always consider your specific needs when choosing a storage engine.

Features of MySQL MyISAM storage engine:
- MyISAM storage engine in MySQL offers features such as full-text search support, table-level locking, and simplicity. It is well-suited for read-heavy workloads.
```
-- Example: Creating a table with MyISAM
CREATE TABLE myisam_table (
    id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    name VARCHAR(255)
) ENGINE=MyISAM;
```
How to create a table with MyISAM in MySQL:
- To create a table with the MyISAM storage engine in MySQL, use the ENGINE keyword in the CREATE TABLE statement.
```
-- Example: Creating a table with MyISAM
CREATE TABLE myisam_table (
    id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    name VARCHAR(255)
) ENGINE=MyISAM;
```
MySQL MyISAM table optimization:
- Optimizing MyISAM tables in MySQL involves considerations such as using appropriate index types, monitoring table fragmentation, and periodically running the OPTIMIZE TABLE command.
```
-- Example: Optimizing a MyISAM table
OPTIMIZE TABLE myisam_table;
```
Converting InnoDB to MyISAM in MySQL:
- Converting a table from InnoDB to MyISAM in MySQL involves creating a new table with the MyISAM storage engine and copying data from the InnoDB table.
```
-- Example: Converting InnoDB to MyISAM
CREATE TABLE myisam_table_new AS SELECT * FROM innodb_table;
```
Troubleshooting MyISAM issues in MySQL:
- Troubleshooting MyISAM issues in MySQL includes checking error logs, monitoring table corruption, and using tools like CHECK TABLE to identify and repair potential issues.
```
-- Example: Checking MyISAM table for errors
CHECK TABLE myisam_table;
```