All about MySQL Databases
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What is a MySQL Database?
A MySQL is an Open Source database management system that is distributed and supported by Oracle Corporation. Technically, databases are well structured collections of data that ranges from the most basic to the most complex data, as from a simple name list to a collection of vast amounts of information for a big corporation. In order to have ease and organization in the collection and retrieval of data, you need a database management system.
Another characteristic of MySQL is that it is a relational database. Relational databases are those that store data in separate tables rather than just putting them all in one large storage room. This means that data storage and retrieval comes efficient as files are organized into specific storage locations. In fact, the term SQL stands for “Structure Query Language” and has since become the most common standardized data access language.
Another good thing with MySQL is that it is Open Source which means that anyone who wishes to may use it and even modify it to suit their needs. And being Open Source, it comes free so anyone can just download it from the internet without fear of having to pay for it. And to top it all, the MySQL server is known for its speed, reliability, scalability and easy to use. Some may think that being free bring a lot of disadvantages yet its server runs comfortably fast on a desktop or a laptop.
How to create a MySQL Database?
A lot of applications such as software for eCommerce, CMS applications and forums are using MySQL databases to run. In order to create a MySQL database, you need to go through a three step process; the first being the creation of a database user and password, the second process is assigning privileges to a user to access the database and the third, the actual creation of the database.
This may sound daunting but with the use of the MySQL Database Wizard found in your cPanel, the task of database creation becomes fast, simple and easy. You need to follow the succeeding steps:
- First, you need to login to your cPanel and click the MySQL Database Wizard which can be found under the heading “Databases”.
- Then you need to enter the name of your database in “Step 1”.
- In “Step 2”, you need to enter the database username and password.
- Then in “Step 3”, you need to assign your user with the privileges to your database. You may simply click “All Privileges” unless otherwise specifically requested by a developer.
- “Step 4” is actually a summary of all the tasks just completed. You may notice that your database name and database user uses the cPanel username as prefix. Should you need to create additional databases, all you have to do is to repeat the process listed above.
How to export a MySQL Database in phpMyAdmin?
Sometimes, you may find the need to make a backup of your database, either as a security measure or in order to transfer your database to another server. You can easily export you database by using phpMyAdmin, a tool that can be found in your cPanel. To export, you need to do the following:
- Everything begins with your cPanel, so first and foremost, you must be logged-in to your cPanel.
- Under the heading Databases, click the phpMyAdmin icon and then select the database you want to export from the list on the left menu. You may select it by clicking on it.
- Then, click the Export tab that can be found on the menu at the top of the page.
- Under the heading “Export”, check below the “View dump (schema) of database” and make sure that all of the tables as well as the SQL option are selected.
- Then, under “Structure”, enable the option “Add DROPTABLE/VIEW.PROCEDURE/FUNCTION” and make sure that the “Save as file” that is found at the lower left of the page is selected. Take note that if your database is quite large, you may choose either “zipped” or “gzipped” for a much quicker download.
- Click the “Go” button at the bottom right and then click Save when prompted. This action starts the download process into your local computer. For multiple databases, simply repeat step 3 – 7.
How to import to a MySQL Database in phpMyAdmin?
While there is a need to export a database, you also find the need to import one from another server into your server. To do this, you can also use the phpMyAdmin. However, to import it, you need to have a database backup file which usually takes the extension “.sql” although .zip and tar.gz are also accepted. To import a file, you need to do the following:
- Again, you need to login to your cPanel.
- Once logged-in, click the phpMyAdmin icon that shall be found under the “Databases” of your cPanel homescreen.
- Then, select the database that you want to import from among the list on the left menu.
- On the top menu, click the Import tab.
- Then, under the “File to Import”, click the “Browse” button and then find your database backup file.
- Then click on the “Go” button on the bottom right of your screen to start the import process. Once the import is complete, you should see a green check mark under the tabs and a notification that should say something like this, “Import has been successfully finished,…..”
- Should you need to import more or multiple databases, you need to repeat and complete step 3 – 7 for each database that you want to import.
