What Is MySQL Hosting and Why Do You Need It?

MySQL is what’s known as a relational database management system (RDBMS). Put simply, it’s a tool that allows you to create and manage databases for websites. Development work started all the way back in 1994 when creators, David Axmark and Allan Larrson, wanted an alternative to slower and less efficient management systems.

It’s an open-source RDBMS that helps users manage the data held on their websites. The MySQL software is made up of several different tools and programs that help in the management of the databases that make up your website.

From your dashboard, you can edit and amend the backend data of your website. Users that opt for fully managed MySQL hosting will benefit from an optimized service, an expert service team, and plug-in support.

• Web database

  The primary purpose of MySQL is to act as a database for the information on your website. The faster your applications can retrieve this data, the more efficient your site will be. This is particularly true with dynamic content and forms on your website where users need to enter information. MySQL acts as an efficient store and transfer of this data

• Web applications

  MySQL was designed with functionality in mind and you can easily build your own web applications using the PHP programming language. You have huge scope to develop just about any application you’d like

• Newer companies without a sophisticated data team

  Smaller companies flock to MySQL because it’s reliable, flexible, and has strong performance. Plus, it’s relatively easy to get to grips with so you don’t need a huge data team managing multiple different databases. Everything can be managed in one place

• eCommerce

  MySQL has the full framework you need to build an impressive eCommerce store from scratch. You can customize any features you’d like, adding product types, categories, brands, payment options, countries, markets, and more. You’ll need some coding skills to pull it off, but you have total flexibility.

• Data Security

  MySQL has an excellent global reputation as one of the most secure database management systems. The open-source nature of the platform means there’s a global network of users that are regularly patching security gaps and putting out updates

• High performance

  The MySQL platform uses a unique storage-engine framework that allows system admins to configure it for maximum efficiency. It’s designed to easily scale too, so whether you’re just running a hobbyist blog, or have millions of site visitors per month, you can retrieve data from your databases incredibly quickly

• It’s relatively easy to learn

  There’s no doubt you’ll need some coding skills under your belt to use the platform, but the SQL commands are fairly straightforward to get to grips with. Plus, it can be run from several different operating systems, including Linux, Windows, macOS, and FreeDSB

• Client-server architecture - The server program exists on the same physical system as your database files, making for fast data recovery. Users and client programs can then make requests for information to the database

• Database management - All data is managed via subdirectories and any changes to data must pass via the MySQL server. For example, if you want to delete a specific folder, the MySQL server will locate and amend the data

The MySQL architecture is based on a relational mode. This means information is held in sets of tables in databases that are related to each other. For example, you might have one table that stores customer information like name and address, and a related table that stores their order histories.

Every table is linked with an ID, and using this number you can easily find all the information you need from every database. This in turn works using the following three layers:

• Client - This is the top of the infrastructure set and where commands will come from. This will handle tasks like the authentication of users and verifying commands

• Server layer - The server handles all of the logical functions of MySQL and is a little bit like the ‘brain’ of the system. The client will relay instructions to the server which will carry out those commands

• Storage - The final layer is storage. This is simply where your data will be stored and you have a number of different types of storage engine to choose from

SQL stands for ‘structured query language’ and is a type of coding language that’s used to access and manipulate website databases. On the other hand, MySQL isn’t a coding language but is itself a database management system that uses the SQL language to execute commands. It might help to understand by breaking down some of the differences below:

• Complexity - To use SQL you need to learn the coding language. However, MySQL is ready to use on download and takes much less training

• Support for connectors - SQL doesn’t have any support for connectors while MySQL comes with an integrated tool called ‘MySQL Workbench’. This can be used to design and develop databases

• Updates - SQL is a fixed and hard-coded language that doesn’t get updates. MySQL is an active database that is regularly updated with new features and security patches

• Uses - SQL is used to operate database systems. MySQL actually lets you store, handle and modify data held on those databases

• Stored procedures - These can be used to simplify certain tasks by using common commands such as deleting records

• Triggers - A series of commands that can be used to execute certain activities in the server

• Replication - Users are able to copy the contents of a server onto another server or desktop computer. These are generally used for backup purposes

• Platform independence - MySQL is compatible with many different operating systems including Windows, Linux, and macOS, plus countless Unix variants too

• Resource groups - Using a resource group you can assign priority to business-critical tasks

• Access to a global developer community - If you’re ever struggling to get the most out of the platform, you can call on the knowledge of a global community of developers to help out

• Partitioning - By keeping different databases clearly partitioned from each other the platform improves efficiency

A MySQL client is a command that’s used to communicate with a database server. For example, a basic client could connect to a database and retrieve information about users. On the other hand, tools are used to complete specific tasks in the platform.

• MySQL deployed on-premise - This can be quite costly as you’ll need to spend money upfront for the server infrastructure, including a team of in-house experts to maintain and manage the equipment. On the plus side, you do get full control over the kit and can make any updates you’d like

• MySQL deployed in the cloud - This is an easier solution if you lack the technical skills to manage an in-house solution, and many opt for a ‘database-as-a-service model in which you’ll have access to a team of experts at the cloud provider. Costs can vary and will depend on the size of your business

• Access denied - MySQL will always try to authenticate users trying to access the system. If you’re getting a denied message it likely means that the program you’re using doesn’t have permission to interact with the server

• Too many connections - This means that all the connections to your website databases are in use. You can increase the number of connections via commands

• Out of memory - This error message appears when you don’t have enough memory to store the entire request of any given query

• Lost connection to MySQL server - A common error that’s usually caused by poor network connection issues

As more organizations move away from on-premises MySQL solutions, we’re seeing a rise in the popularity of cloud hosting. This trend has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic as more and more companies switch to almost completely remote workforces. Cloud solutions allow staff to access MySQL databases from just about anywhere in the world.

MySQL is versatile, popular, powerful, and feature-rich. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular database management systems in the world, and it doesn’t look set to lose its crown any time soon.

It’s perhaps not the best platform for beginners, and you’ll need knowledge of the SQL coding language to get the most out of the platform, but the large developer community and user-friendliness of the platform mitigate these downsides. Plus as more affordable cloud hosting options become available we’ll likely see an even greater increase in flexible packages.