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Does WordPress need a database?
Yes, WordPress is built to run on top of MySQL, which means that anything you can do in WordPress will involve accessing its database at some point.
But if you’re just blogging, the short answer is “No.” You can use WordPress without accessing its database, which is what makes it an excellent blogging platform.
In this post, we are also going to answer some questions related to WordPress, your database and what you need to know.
Will I need to know the WordPress database to use WordPress?
Probably not. WordPress comes with its own database administration tool, which takes the strain off of you having to learn an additional system.
You can still use a visual interface or a command line if you want to go deeper, but your level of knowledge isn’t the determining factor when it comes to choosing a platform.
If you do know MySQL already, then that’s awesome. It will give you an edge when it comes to troubleshooting your database and running high-quality WordPress sites.
Why you don’t need your own database to use WordPress.
When you set up a new WordPress website, your host must create a database for it. This normally happens on its own through your Web Hosting Provider’s data centers.
Your database, nevertheless, will almost always be hosted on the server of your hosting provider. In most cases, your database is self-sufficient. You don’t need to access it in order to produce content.
That’s part of the reason why WordPress is so great for those of us who aren’t technically minded. All that data and the processing goes on behind the scenes.
How does a database with WordPress work?
WordPress has its own way of storing content. It can’t access your hosting provider’s database directly, so it needs to have its own temporary storage space.
This is what the MySQL database offers. It stores all data related to users, posts, pages, tags and comments in one place. When you install WordPress on your Web Hosting Provider’s hosting environment, the database gets set up automatically.
Once that happens, WordPress builds a connection to your database and uses it for everything related to content management. All of the blog posts you add from then on will be stored in your database until you delete them or they expire.
A lot can happen behind the scenes when a site is running, but this should give you a good idea of where the WordPress database fits into your website.
Why is it called MySQL?
The name that’s given to any database depends on its creator. The commonly used term for these kinds of databases is Structured Query Language (SQL) databases, which grew out of the language developed by IBM in the 1970s.
MySql, abbreviation for Structured Query Language. is a free and open-source relational database management system. The term combines the names of SQL and My, Michael Widenius’s daughter.
SQL databases contain information that is organized into Tables, which consist of records and fields. Records can be compared to rows while fields are comparable to columns.
Every single WordPress database contains at least two tables: one called “Posts,” and another called “Users.” Every time you add a piece of content to your website, a row will be added to the Posts table.
When should I consider getting a database for my WordPress site?
Even though you don’t need a database, we recommend considering it.
By getting one, you can improve your site’s performance and prevent some security risks. A database offers increased storage space and allows more people to access it at the same time.
These benefits will come in handy when you start publishing content that is more complex or get a lot of traffic.
Of course, you should only get one if your Web Hosting Provider doesn’t charge exorbitant fees for using it.
You don’t need to hire a developer or spend any extra money on software unless you plan on running heavy-duty WordPress sites with multiple contributors or take advantage of e-commerce features. For example, if you want to run an online store.
When it comes to the database, you can take care of everything yourself once your site is up and running. There are even some free plugins that will give you a taste of what it’s like to manage one.
Is there a WordPress database plugin?
Some of the most popular WordPress plugins are designed to manage your MySQL database. These include WP DB Manager, Adminer, phpMyAdmin and Sequel Pro.
Each plugin offers a different interface that lets you perform different tasks associated with MySQL databases.
For example, WP DB Manager will enable you to back up your data, whereas WP phpMyAdmin lets you manage users and permissions.
By using these plugins, you’ll be able to focus on the tasks that you can’t accomplish from within your WordPress dashboard, such as creating databases or adding tables.
These plugins usually work with a Web-based interface instead of a file on your server. For some hosts, this means you won’t have to make any modifications to the WordPress installation on your Web Hosting Provider’s servers.
To use one of these plugins, you don’t have to be a developer with extensive knowledge of databases. All you have to do is install it and follow the instructions that come up once you activate the plugin.
When should I use a third-party service to store my data instead of using the built-in MySQL database in WordPress?
As we already mentioned, using MySQL is the standard option. Most of the time, it’s reliable and will do what you need it to do at a reasonable cost.
If you’re on a shared hosting plan and want to back up your data regularly (recommended), or you want to try e-commerce features, then go with a paid hosting plan or a third-party service.
If you’re comfortable with databases and want to have complete control over the hardware, software and security of your Web Hosting Provider’s servers, then you can opt for a dedicated server or cloud hosting account.
What are some common misconceptions about databases in WordPress?
The main issue with WordPress databases is that people don’t really know how to use them.
Many novice users believe that all their data will be safe if they just back up their sites regularly.
This isn’t true because it’s possible for hackers to access your content even without going into the database directly.
In general, users who are accustomed to working with PHP or JavaScript aren’t afraid to experiment, so they can take advantage of all the features that come built into MySQL.
If you want to make copies of your WordPress site without using plugins, then you should know that there are paid services like VaultPress and CodeGuard which offer free trials.
They do more than simply back up your data, though. These services also monitor your site for malware and security issues.
There are even some free software programs that can make backups of your entire WordPress installation.
For example, the popular XCloner plugin makes copies of both files and databases on a schedule you set up in advance.
It also lets you take full or partial backups whenever you think you need them.
However, these programs aren’t recommended for novice users because they’re a bit complicated to set up and manage compared to their Web Hosting Provider’s backup options.
You should consider using them only if your Web Hosting Provider doesn’t offer daily backups or you want something more powerful than what is available from WordPress plugins.
Does WordPress need a database? Conclusions.
WordPress requires MySQL in order to work, but that doesn’t mean you have to use it.
If you’re running a small site with just one or two posts per month, then go ahead and keep the built-in WordPress database. You won’t notice any difference.
However, if your website is growing or you need more flexibility in your WordPress hosting environment, then you may want to take advantage of one of the plugins mentioned in this article.
If you don’t feel comfortable working with databases but still want to host a large site, then consider hiring an experienced developer or go for managed WordPress hosting .
This way, someone else will be responsible for performing backups and other maintenance tasks.
