MySQL is the most popular free Relational Database Management System on the Internet. In simple terms, this is a type of database that is used by a number of script-driven platforms to store different types of information. Some of the most widely used scripts use MySQL - Joomla, Drupal, Moodle, phpBB and so on.
A database is a set of tables where data is stored. This could be simple text, hyperlinks, images, etc. When a website is opened in a browser, the site script, which is connected to the database, queries it and displays the result that the database returns.
A simple example is a forum that has a number of registered users and ongoing threads. All usernames and passwords are stored in a database, so when you log in, the script "asks" the database about this particular username, then about the password associated with it, and if everything matches, you log in successfully. On the forum page, you see the threads, who wrote them, their avatars and so on. All this information is stored in tables in a single database, so every time you open www.forum.com/topic1.php, for example, you will see all the replies that people have posted in this thread. The forum script does not need to show you any other content except what is in topic1, so it asks the database only for this content.
The advantage of script-driven sites that use databases is that they are dynamic and due to the way databases work, different content can be displayed for each user even if the URL in the browser address bar is the same. Unlike them, HTML websites are static and are losing popularity.
Using a script with a database is easy, although it may sound more difficult than it really is. Web hosting providers offer tools to create a database where you only have to choose its name. After installing the script that you want to use, you just have to enter the database information in one of the script files, which is usually called config.php or configuration.php, and you are all set. Some companies like NTC Hosting offer script installers with each and every hosting plan, so the chosen script is being installed automatically and you can create a database with just a couple of clicks on your end.
More advanced users can manage a database using a number of applications such as phpMyAdmin, which is offered by almost all companies. In addition, if the hosting provider allows it, changes can be done using software on a local computer using a remote database connection. Due to security reasons though, many companies do not allow such connections.
MySQL databases are supported by the vast majority of hosting companies and most of the scripts that use such databases use PHP as a web programming language, which is also supported by virtually all companies. This will allow you to concentrate only on the plan features when you choose a hosting plan, and not worry about compatibility issues.
If you are moving a website, the MySQL database can be exported to a downloadable file with a single click, and then imported as easily in your account with the new host.
Changing the database information in the configuration file of the website is all you have to do to connect the files to the imported database for the website to be fully operational again.
Using an open-source script-driven platform with free MySQL databases will save you a lot of money as you will have to pay only for the web hosting. MySQL is an integral part of most web hosting plans offered on the market today, so no matter if you have a small shared hosting account or a powerful dedicated server, you can run dynamic and interactive websites and make the time visitors spend browsing them enjoyable and entertaining.