Mysql phpMyadmin Timeout Question
I have a very large database in Mysql. I need it to be maintained this way. for example its about 300,000 records in Innodb. 

I parsed the records into the database but now I need to refine it by converting some of the field types for example a long int to tinyint or something. When I run this through phpMyadmin the connection after 6mins halts and I get a connection timeout error?.

Since php sent the request to mysql shouldn't mysql just be doing its thing no matter what until its done? so even if the php page times out it will it still get done?. Or when the connection times out does Mysql just give up on the request?. 

I need to run a filter on the database through php and I want to be able to update the page every 30 seconds with new results it finds as its continuing its search , but if the user navigates away I would still like to finish the search as it creates a table for that user. So if they run a query and close their browser when they come back to it will it have continued with the search ?. 

Never worked with a big db like this before , if users run a textual search I know it will take a long time. Any insights /tips or guidance would be appreciated .

Thanks
Mysql phpMyadmin Timeout Question
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I have a very large database in Mysql. I need it to be maintained this way. for example its about 300,000 records in Innodb. 

I parsed the records into the database but now I need to refine it by converting some of the field types for example a long int to tinyint or something. When I run this through phpMyadmin the connection after 6mins halts and I get a connection timeout error?.

Since php sent the request to mysql shouldn't mysql just be doing its thing no matter what until its done? so even if the php page times out it will it still get done?. Or when the connection times out does Mysql just give up on the request?. 

I need to run a filter on the database through php and I want to be able to update the page every 30 seconds with new results it finds as its continuing its search , but if the user navigates away I would still like to finish the search as it creates a table for that user. So if they run a query and close their browser when they come back to it will it have continued with the search ?. 

Never worked with a big db like this before , if users run a textual search I know it will take a long time. Any insights /tips or guidance would be appreciated .

Thanks