mysql_connect() always tries to connect to localhost

Question

PHP

mysql_connect('some_host.loc', 'test', 'test);

Gives error Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket /var/lib/mysql/mysql.sock

sql.safe_mode is off

Why is it trying to connect through mysql.sock

Answer 1

Isn't socket=/var/lib/mysql/mysql.sock spelled out in my.cnf?

Answer 2

Look through strace/netstat (if you're on Windows, then through procmon/procexp) where PHP actually connects and what happens before, for example, if it tries to resolve the server name.

Answer 3

It's time to punish the use of mysql_ functions. If possible, use PDO.