How To Create A New MySQL Database?

Setting up a new website or an application? Creating a proper MySQL database is an important part of it. You cannot ignore it as a database stores all your important data like user information, posts, orders, and so much more.

Without a database, a dynamic website cannot run smoothly. Therefore, creating a new MySQL database is one of the first steps you should take before starting your website development.

This guide will discuss how you can create a MySQL database and manage it easily through your web hosting control panel.

How to Create a New MySQL Database Using Your Web Hosting Control Panel

First of all, you need to log in to the control panel that your hosting provider has given you.
Most hosting companies offer a feature called ‘Manage My Databases’ in the dashboard. You must find and open that section carefully.
On the database management page, you will be able to see all the databases that already exist under your account. The page will show you some options to create a fresh new database, too.
Now, to set up a new database, you have to enter three very important details. You should give a name to the database. You must also decide on a username that will be allowed to access and manage this database.
Lastly, you need to set a strong password for this user so that your database remains secure.

After you filling in the details, you can submit the form. Your hosting system will create the database automatically. It will also create the first user with the same username and password you entered. Well, this user will get permission to operate inside the new database.

Important Note: Sometimes, after creating a database, you might not see it immediately on the screen. It can happen because of browser cache or page load delay. In that case, you should simply click on the Refresh button available on the page. After refreshing, your new database will definitely appear in the list.

How to Access and Manage Your MySQL Database Using phpMyAdmin

Managing a database is very simple if you use phpMyAdmin. phpMyAdmin is a free tool that almost all hosting providers offer to handle MySQL databases in a very user-friendly way.

To access phpMyAdmin, you must again log in to your hosting control panel.
Go to the ‘Manage My Databases’ section just like you did before.
On the left-hand side of the screen, you will find a list of all your available databases. You have to select the database that you want to work with.

When you click on the database name, the right-hand side of the screen will show you the list of users associated with that database. You will also see an Access icon next to each username.

You must click on the Access icon of the particular username you want to use. After clicking, you will be taken to the phpMyAdmin dashboard where you can manage your database.

Inside phpMyAdmin, you will be able to create tables, insert records, modify existing data, delete unwanted entries, and run SQL queries. Everything happens through a simple web interface, so you do not need to remember complicated command-line operations.

General Notes and Tips

Always remember to keep your database username and password safe. If someone else gets them, they can access or even damage your database.
Use strong passwords that are a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters to make it difficult for hackers to guess.
Before making any changes to your database in phpMyAdmin, it is a good practice to take a backup. A backup helps you recover your data if something goes wrong.
Refresh your database list if you create a new database but cannot see it immediately.
Avoid keeping default usernames like ‘admin’ for your database. Always create unique usernames for better security.