frontend and backend connectivity?

[ravi2007]

hi,
i am making a project in my college using xampp 1.72 in php and mySQL.

but while making the report, i was asked to explain how the frontend and backend database connectivity take place.

for eg. in ASP.net and SQL server 2005, my friend wrote about "CONNECTOR/NET" ..

is there anything like this in connecting php and mySQL too ?


if there is,plz help me on it bcoz i still have to give this report by tommorow...

help me !!!!