Database Server mySQL is a SQL database server which has been ported to a number of operating systems, including Linux and Win32. An ODBC driver for the server is also available. The Win32 version, however, is covered under a different licensing scheme that requires payment unless you are an educational institution. If the latter is the case, you simply need to apply for a license. If you are looking for a book on programming this database, I read of a number of recommendations from users about Paul Dubois' MySQL .
Source code is provided.
You can link the library either statically or dynamically with your application. It has been tested on Win32, Linux and Solaris. The library can be used freely for applications that are free. For other uses, read the license available at the website. The system is free for both personal and commercial use.