New to InnoDB (want to convert from MyISAM)

[Guy Z]

Hi all,

I have a webserver with 80 concurrent users, it is a game that I started some time ago and now it catches up. The game is database intensive.

Not knowing much, I just used the simple create table statements without any consideration to efficiency. Recently, I've read a lot about the differences between MyISAM and InnoDB and decided I want to convert :)

I have some questions:

1. Can I use InnoDB without using transactions? I mean without BEGIN and COMMIT? Can I still be using AUTOCOMMIT? it will help me upgrade in phases later on I'll add transactions for concurrency.

2. What is the best way to upgrade? Should I stop the webserver connections to the database, then use the ALTER TABLE statement?

3. I know how to backup a table using mysqldump, how can I restore the data? what if I have triggers on that table? should I manually take care of them?

4. Should I be careful from anything? I've heard that count(*) and innodb is not a good idea.

5. How can I check which table has the most load on it? Or delayed caused by locks?


Thanks in advance for your help,
Guy.