Socket file (/tmp/mysql.sock)

• It is sometimes possible to use a socket file instead of an external IP-port (e.g. /tmp/mysql.sock)
• We cannot create socket files because, as "The definitive Guide to MySQL5.0" clearly states: (p.726) "(An exception is Java clients, which do not support socket files.)"
• Using the standard port always opens up the server to vulnerabilities in mysql, even if password protection is enabled.
• Programs on the machine would need to be able to access the server through the socket file. This could be difficult.