Luckily for all of us, WordPress uses a reliable and secure data storage solution – MySQL. But what exactly is MySQL?
If you are concerned that the data stored on your website may be lost or corrupted, MySQL can help you mitigate that risk. And it’s not that there’s nothing to worry about. Data says 62% of computer device users report losing data and 94% of companies that experience major data loss never recover, So where does MySQL come into any of this?
MySQL is an open-source and free database management system that can store all the data on your website. It is popular among developers for its high degree of scalability, flexibility, accessibility, and security. Even high-traffic applications such as Facebook, Uber, and Twitter are powered by MySQL. Read on to learn more about the MySQL database and how WordPress uses it.
Understanding databases
What is Database Management System?
A database management system systematically collects, stores, and retrieves site data using a programming language. WordPress uses the PHP scripting language in conjunction with MySQL to run your website.
These database systems can store a wide selection of information including pages, blog posts, custom fields, and settings of your WordPress site. Even the comments and tags of your site’s users can be backed up. If stale data, useless information, and expired transient options fill up the database, you can use a database optimization plugin like WP-Optimize to clean up your MySQL.
Direct access to the MySQL database also facilitates the speedy resolution of WordPress issues. For example, these databases allow you to easily add another WordPress admin user, reset your password, or change your email address.
How to Access Your MySQL Database on a Web Server
To access your MySQL database on a web server, you need to use a database management tool such as phpMyAdmin. It is a free web-based software that allows you to access, monitor and manage your MySQL database using any web browser.
You can find phpMyAdmin in the control panel of your hosting account. After the application opens, you will see an interface database tab at the top. Select this tab to see a list of databases, and then click on the one for your WordPress website.
Options that enable you to add, change or delete data from your WordPress platform will appear. Click the edit button next to the data you want to change, input your desired changes, and then confirm your decision by selecting the Go button.
If you are using a Linux web server, you can also access your MySQL database using Secure Shell Protocol (SSH). Other options include using programs such as the MySQL command-line client, dbForge Studio for MySQL, and MySQL Workbench.
Going Beyond “What Is MySQL” Using MySQL With WordPress
Given that WordPress is a website-building tool, it needs to store a lot of data. It automatically creates several data tables so that it can properly organize the different types of information your website collects and generates.
Since WordPress data is likewise stored in MySQL, a duplicate of the data tables and the information they carry can be created and backed up to a secure digital location with WordPress backup plugins.
Because MySQL is constantly storing new data and running as a background application, it can consume a lot of network and system resources. The heavier your site’s traffic, the slower your website will be. However, this problem can be mitigated by using a database optimization plugin.
Conclusion on what is MySQL
Apart from answering the question, of what is MySQL, this post has likewise guided you on how to access and customize MySQL databases. Now, you can build a WordPress website without worrying about data loss or mismanagement.
