Guide to Working with MySQL Database

Pronounced (my ess cue el) MySQL is most commonly used for Web applications and for embedded applications. The FAST MySQL database is the world's most popular open source database.

Quick Background information

For first-timers, configuring the files that work with the MySQL database is usually the hardest part.

A few key points are case sensitive, trial & error, patience.

For any application requiring the Database, it may need the following information:

Database Type
Database Server
Database Name
Database User Name
Database Password

Example of a config file

Variable	Common abbreviations	Common abbreviations
Database Type	db_type = "abc"	define('DB_SERVER_TYPE', 'TYPE');
Database Server	db_server = "abc"	define('DB_HOST', 'HOST');
Database Name	db_name = "abc"	define('DB_SERVER_NAME', 'SERVER');
Database User Name	db_user = "abc"	define('DB_SERVER_USER', 'USERNAME');
Database Password	db_password = "abc"	define('DB_SERVER_PASSWORD', 'USERNAME');

This is the standard format and information required by most applications. The actual variable name will depend on what the vendor had assigned so your file(s) may look different.

Usually this information required to connect to the SQL database is stored in a central file. This file is normally called config.php or configure.php or the extension (php) your files are in.

Be sure to follow your vendors guidelines on how to properly setup the files. If you run into problems, you will always find help on their site. Don't leave out "quotations", commas, or semi-colons (this will either cause parse errors or errors connecting to the DB)

Where to find the information?

Variable	Answer
Database Type	mysql	we use the most popular database MySQL
Database Server	localhost	you will be connecting to your server locally
Database Name	YourDatabaseName	It has already been created
Database User Name	YourDatabaseUserName	It has already been created
Database Password	YourDatabasePassword	You need to pick the password

When your server was first setup, you were already assigned a database name.

Database User Name

1. Log into your control panel. Click on change password.

2. Write down your username (case sensitive) & create your password.

3. From MySQL Administration

Log into phpMyAdmin

4. Log into phpMyAdmin with the information you created from above

5. Note your database username

The entire name is your database name

<-- This is your database name. usually in this format: domainame_com

6. Click on your database name. This is where you can run your sql statement

Use the browse button to find the .sql database file provided with your script or manually run your own SQL query here.

Depending on the application you're installing, it may create the sql statement during the install. Check with your vendors install requirements.

Summary

Variable	Answer
Database Type	mysql
Database Server	localhost
Database Name	In phpMyAdmin
Database User Name	In your control panel > Database Management
Database Password	If you lose your password update here > Database Management

This is the only information required for a script to connect to the SQL database. If their are additional fields, contact your vendor or visit their support site for additional information.

Trouble Shoot

The most common error is "Error connecting to MySQL"

The answer is the config. file has not been properly configured.

Double check your spelling and remembers it's case sensitive.

Make sure you place your information in the right fields.

i.e. don't mix up

$db_username = "yoursite_com" when the user name is johndoe

with

$db_name = "johndoe" when the database name is yoursite_com

Tips:

Try a fresh install
Start editing the original config file again.

If you run into parse errors, this is usually one of two reasons:

The script has bugs

While editing the file, it was corrupted. When editing .cgi or .php or .pl files, find out from the vendor if it's compatible or should be edited using Dreamweaver, wordpad, or a txt editor.

TIP: Always edit using a simple txt editor (notepad) which will not place extra "hidden" character in your file. i.e. Don't use MS Word to edit files as it will add formatting to your file and cause errors.

TIP: If you only changed a few characters and the file size dramatically changed, the file is probably corrupted.

3. While uploading the file was corrupted. Follow your vendors guidelines as to how a file should be uploaded. ASCII or BINARY. We recommend smartFTP to upload your files and using the 'AUTO' command which usually separates images and txt files separately.

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