Creating a MySQL database

Most website software that stores data - WordPress, forums, e-commerce platforms - needs a MySQL database to run. Here's how to set one up in DirectAdmin.

Creating the database

1. Log in to DirectAdmin.
2. Click MySQL Management.
3. Click Create new Database.
4. Fill in:
   • Database name - DirectAdmin automatically prefixes this with your username (e.g. if your username is "acme1", naming it "shop" creates acme1_shop). This prefix is normal and expected.
   • Database username and password for the account that will access it - this can be the same name as the database or different.
5. Click Create.

Make a note of the full database name, username, and password - most software setup wizards (like WordPress) will ask for these.

Where to use these details

When installing software that needs a database, you'll typically be asked for:

• Database host: localhost
• Database name: the full name including your prefix, e.g. acme1_shop
• Database username: the full username including your prefix
• Database password: the password you set

Browsing your database (phpMyAdmin)

To view or edit the actual data/tables in a database:

1. Go back to MySQL Management.
2. Click phpMyAdmin next to the database you want to open.
3. You'll be logged in automatically, where you can browse tables, run queries, and export backups.

Adding an existing user to another database

If you need one login to access multiple databases:

1. In MySQL Management, find the database.
2. Click Modify (or the equivalent "add user" option).
3. Select the existing user and grant it All Privileges.
4. Save.

Submit a ticket under Web Hosting if a database-driven install fails and you're not sure whether the issue is your database details or something else - include any error message you see.