ASQL is known to be compatible with MySQL 5.1 thru 5.7, and probably beyond, provided that future updates don't break the existing function-level API. It should also work with either the commercial/enterprise edition, or the free community edition.
To install MySQL, visit http://www.mysql.com and locate the applicable section of the Downloads page. The available packages are constantly expanding, but the only essential component is the client package. You only need the server package if you are installing the MySQL database server. You always need the client package, even if the server is installed on the same machine.
For Windows client workstations (connecting to an existing MySQL database server), the only component you need (besides the ASQL connector) is the LIBMYSQL.DLL which must be in the PATH. If you are installing it manually, just put it in the bin directory with the A-Shell executable.
For Linux installations (connecting to an existing MySQL database server), you need the /usr/lib/libmysqlclient.so shared library (and whatever modules it links to or depends on), which will be installed by the "client" and/or "shared libraries" packages. For systems using yum, you should be able to install the client using:
$ sudo yum install mysql-community-libs.i686
It is recommend that you also download and install the sample database "sakila" so you have a handy database to experiment with.
See Troubleshooting for additional installation-related tips.
