Zend cant connect to MySQL

[SimonIoa]

I am starting to use Flash Builder for php to make an app. I have started with this very good example suggested by a user.
http://files.zend.com/help/Flash-Builder-for-PHP/Getting-Started/Mobile/build_a_mobile_(php)_application.htm

On Step 11 running the PHPUnit i am getting this error

PHPUnit_Framework_Error_Warning:mysqli_connect()[<a href='function.mysqli-connect'>function.mysqli.connect</a>]:MySQL server has gone away

I am understanding that it cant connect to MySQL but i dont know how to fix it. Any help?

These are the latest errors i am getting on phpadmin

15  
Database Error

Today, 23:11:05

phpMyAdmin

Function mysql_query() returned false
    show    


    16  
Database Error

Today, 23:11:05

phpMyAdmin

Function mysql_query() returned false
    show    


    17  
Slow Request Execution

Today, 23:11:05

phpMyAdmin

Request to http://localhost:100/phpMyAdmin/ took 2505ms
    show    

[pritaeas]

MySQL server has gone away

That usually means that your connection timed out. What exactly is your PHP code doing?

[SimonIoa]

Its connects to the database

public $username = "root";
    public $password = "";
    public $server = "localhost";
    public $port = "3306";
    public $databasename = "testdrive_db";
    public $tablename = "employees";
    public $connection;
    public function __construct ()
    {
        $this->connection = mysqli_connect($this->server, $this->username, 
        $this->password, $this->databasename, $this->port);
        $this->throwExceptionOnError($this->connection);
    }