Most web hosting packages come included with a number of MySQL databases. Though creating a database is a fairly easy task, managing one can be somewhat complex, especially if you are new to database management. Fortunately, the administration of MySQL databases can be greatly simplify through the use of a software package known as PHPMyAdmin. This user-friendly tool eases the MySQL learning curve, offering the ability to:
- Create and modify database tables
- Create and drop database tables
- Delete, create and modify fields
- Execute database statements
- Load text into database tables
- Import and export data to and from database tables
- Administer primary databases
Let’s walk through the steps of creating and managing tables in PHPMyAdmin, starting from the cPanel control panel.
Launching PHPMyAdmin
From the cPanel main page, locate and click on the “PHPMyAdmin” icon under the “Databases” category. On the next page, you will see all the databases you have installed on the server and the version of PHPMyAdmin among other information. Find the database you want to work with and click on the appropriate link.
- On the next page, enter the name of the new table you want to create on the database along with the number of fields.
- On the next page, you will be prompted to enter information and make selections specific to your database table. Your options are as follows:
- Field
- Type
- Length Values (select from drop-down box)
- Collation (select from drop-down box)
- Null (select from drop-down box)
- Default
- Extra (select from drop-down box)
- Comments
- Storage Engine (select from drop-down box)
- Collation (select from drop-down box)
In summary, the Length Value specifies the maximum length of characters you can enter into the table. There are a number of values that can be applied to the Type field but “INT” makes a good selection for the purpose of this illustration. By selecting the Primary key for your table and setting the Extra field to “auto_increment,” you may spare yourself from having to manually typing in the next number when inputting records. For the Default field, enter “0″.
- After entering the appropriate values, click on “Save”.
- On, the next page, you should receive a confirmation stating that your database table has been successfully created. The corresponding SQL command for these fields will also be displayed. While this isn’t needed for now, you will probably refer to them later as you start to become more familiar with MySQL commands.
Inserting Data into a Table
- To input data into the table you just created, click on the “Insert” tab.
- When the next window appears, type in the details specific to each field. Because we set the Extra field to auto-increment, there is no need to enter a number.
- Next, click on the “Save” button to save the record for your table.
- If you have a need to create multiple records, simply click the “Insert another new row” button on the input form.
Additionally, if you ever lose your way in PHPMyAdmin, simply click the “Home” icon from the navigation menu and start over.
Conclusion
PHPMyAdmin is an extensive program that allows you to administer virtually every aspect of your databases. Apart from the initial launch within cPanel, these directions apply to PHPMyAdmin in general, irrespective to the control panel.
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3-30-2009 @ 07:57
[...] Featured Articles March 30, 2009 Working with Tables in PHPMyAdmin …the administration of MySQL databases can be greatly simplify through the use of a software [...]