How can you handle the switch to the improved MySQL extension?
When accessing a MySQL database which is earlier than version 4.1 you use the MySQL functions, but to access version 4.1 and above you will need to use the Improved MySQL Extension instead. This could present some difficulties to developers of lesser ability, but due to the fact that my infrastructure design is based on the 3-Tier Architecture where all data access is through a Data Access layer all I have to do is switch a single component, my DML class, and everything is tickety-boo, hunky-dory, and smelling of roses. Because it would be unusual for a PHP installation to have both the MySQL functions and Improved MySQL Extension installed at the same time it is possible to detect which is available at runtime and to create an object from the relevant class.
