Go database/sql: Connect to SQL Server and MySQL

Using Go to work with relational databases is a useful skill for application developers. This article follows a lesson on Go’s database/sql package, with examples involving SQL Server, MySQL, SQLx, and transactions. It is a topic overview; check current driver and library documentation before using version-specific code.

SQL database programming with Go

The database/sql package provides a standard interface for working with SQL databases. A database driver is also needed so the application can communicate with a particular database system.

Connect to a database

The lesson introduces sql.Open to configure a database handle using a driver name and a data source name (DSN). A DSN may include a username, password, host, and database name. Create the database first, then use a driver appropriate for SQL Server or MySQL.

Set up a small project

Create a project folder and Go files, then import database/sql and the driver for the database you plan to use. The source lesson describes opening the handle with the driver and DSN.

SQL Server and MySQL drivers

Both SQL Server and MySQL require a compatible driver. Follow the driver’s current installation and connection instructions; connection-string formats vary.

Run SQL queries

Ping the database

The lesson introduces Ping to check whether the application can reach the database.

Query and scan results

Use Query for statements that return rows, such as a SELECT. The lesson uses Scan to copy each returned row’s values into variables or struct fields.

Execute changes and close resources

The source describes an execute operation for INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements, and mentions Go’s defer for cleanup after a function finishes. Check current database/sql guidance for closing rows, statements, and the database handle; cleanup depends on the resource being used.

Structs and helper functions

The lesson proposes a struct for database records such as a “cover,” followed by helper functions named Get Cover, Add Cover, Update Cover, and Delete Cover. These functions organize retrieval and changes to records behind a reusable interface.

SQLx

SQLx is introduced as a library that adds helpers on top of SQL work in Go.

• Install the SQLx library using the current Go module workflow.
• Use SQLx Select in the lesson to retrieve multiple rows.
• Use SQLx Get to retrieve a single row.

Transactions

A transaction groups related database operations so they can be committed together or rolled back if a failure occurs.

1. Begin the transaction.
2. Commit when the intended changes have succeeded.
3. Roll back when the changes should be canceled after an error.

Lesson recap

• Create a Go project and import database/sql plus a compatible driver.
• Open a database handle with a driver name and DSN.
• Use query operations to read rows and scan values.
• Use execution operations for data changes.
• Explore SQLx helpers and transaction handling.

The source lesson’s examples are a learning outline, not production-ready database code. Handle errors, manage connections and row cleanup, and use parameterized queries according to current documentation.