title: MySQL new library and notepad++
body: <p>As I understand it, the normal mysql <code>mysql.*</code> method library has been superseded somewhat by the library <code>mysqli.*</code>. Essentially, my understanding is that the new library uses all the old methods just with the letter "i" tagged onto the end of the method name. Three questions:</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>Why have MySQL updated this library and what new features does it contain?</li>
  <li>For users of Notepad++, the language of choice can be selected from a drop-down menu, which then highlights the code much like an IDE does, for instance methods are coloured blue and are in bold font. When I first wrote some MySQL code, I used the old library methods, not being aware of the advancement. When I converted it to the new library methods, the blue/bold highlighting disappeared and returned to normal font. When I deleted the "i" in the method name, it became highlighted again. Why does Notepad++ not recognize the new methods? </li>
  <li>Are the new methods a requirement (i.e. Will the old methods still work in PHP)?</li>
  </ol>