MySQL Hosting
MySQL, pronounced either "My S-Q-L" or "My Sequel," is an open source relational database management system. It is based on the structure query language (SQL), which is used for adding, removing, and modifying information in the database. Standard SQL commands, such as ADD, DROP, INSERT, and UPDATE can be used with MySQL.
MySQL can be used for a variety of applications, but is most commonly found on Web servers. A website that uses MySQL may include Web pages that access information from a database. These pages are often referred to as "dynamic," meaning the content of each page is generated from a database as the page loads. Websites that use dynamic Web pages are often referred to as database-driven websites.
Many database-driven websites that use MySQL also use a Web scripting language like PHP to access information from the database. MySQL commands can be incorporated into the PHP code, allowing part or all of a Web page to be generated from database information. Because both MySQL and PHP are both open source (meaning they are free to download and use), the PHP/MySQL combination has become a popular choice for database-driven websites.
Used in conjunction with various software scripting languages, most notably PHP, and part of the LAMP family (which is comprised of Linus, Apache, MySQL, and PHP), MySQL is a heavy-duty database server.
Whether it's a shopping list or client records, any data you have that needs storing, is stored on a database. You will need a database management system to add, access, edit, and process data in your databases, and MySQL is one of the best and most comprehensive. MySQL can also be used as a relational database management system, which means it can store data in various tables that can communicate with one another rather than all in one large "storeroom" of data.
You can run MySQL as a server in your local device or in a remote server. All you need to access your MySQL databases and MySQL functionality is your server name (such as the name server of your MySQL web hosting provider) or the appropriate IP address. You can then input your various commands, most likely using PHP scripts, to interact with your various databases.
Databases
If you're seeking a MySQL web hosting provider, you're surely planning on making databases a significant part of your web-presence. You, therefore, need to find a MySQL hosting provider that offers you at least as many databases as you might need. A web host provider that promotes itself as a MySQL hosting provider must offer its clients with multiple websites at least three databases.
Interface
You'll be working with your databases intimately and frequently. You'll want a MySQL hosting provider that's designed its admin interface with the MySQL user in mind. If you have various staff-members involved in the building and maintenance of your various tables and databases, you'll want to be able to create multiple user IDs to allow varying degrees of secure access.
CRON support
A cron helps you to run specific scripts for regular, routine tasks to be run at periodic intervals. A MySQL hosting provider should allow you to set up and manage crons from your admin control panel.
PHP Info
The most common "companion" script for MySQL databases is PHP. A MySQL hosting provider with PHP extensions enabled is likely to be more frustrating than useful to you. By checking into a prospective MySQL hosting provider's PHP capabilities, you can ensure compatibility between your scripting language and your database management, thus saving yourself tons of trouble and loads of regrets later on.
MySQL specific support
Ensure your MySQL web hosting provider offers specific MySQL support, or better yet, that the support staff is knowledgeable in PHP-MySQL integration, as it is currently most common combination of database server and scripting language.
