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Can WordPress connect to a database?

Last updated on January 23, 2023 @ 10:28 am

WordPress can connect to a database, but it’s not as straightforward as you might think. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways that WordPress can connect to a database, and give you a few tips on how to choose the best option for your site.

Before we get started, it’s important to clarify what we mean by “database.” A database is a collection of data that can be accessed by computers.

WordPress can connect to a variety of databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle.

Connecting to a Database with WordPress

When you install WordPress, the software automatically installs a plugin that lets you connect to a database. To connect to a database with WordPress, follow these steps:

1. Open your WordPress site in your web browser.

2. Go to the “Plugins” menu.

3. Click on the “Add New” button.

4. Click on the “Upload Plugin” button.

5. Click on the “Browse” button.

6. Click on the “Select” button.

7. Click on the “MySQL” button.

8. Click on the “Install” button.

9. Click on the “Activate” button.

10. Click on the “Back to WordPress” button.

11. Click on the “Text” tab.

12. Enter your MySQL database name (e.g. WordPress) in the “ Database Name ” field.

13. Enter your MySQL user name (e. WordPress) in the “ MySQL User Name ” field.

14. Click on the “Save” button.

15. Click on the “Dashboard” tab.

16. Click on the “Settings” button.

17. Click on the “Permalinks” tab.

18. Enter your MySQL permalinks path (e. /wp-content/plugins/mysql/) in the “Permalinks Path” field.

19. Click on the “Save” button.

20. Click on the “Appearance” tab.

21. Click on the “Database” checkbox.

22. Click on the “Save Changes” button.

23. Click on the “Close” button.

24. Click on the “General” tab.

25. Click on the “Connection” tab.

26. Check the “Use mySQL database” checkbox.

27. Enter your MySQL root password in the “ MySQL Root Password ” field.

28. Click on the “Save Changes” button.

29. Click on the “Options” tab.

30. Click on the “Use localhost” checkbox.

31. Enter your localhost in the “Server Address” field.

32. Click on the “Home” tab.

33. Click on the “Performance” tab.

34. Click on the “Disable” button.

35. Click on the “Update” button.

36. Click on the “Activate.

PRO TIP: No, WordPress cannot connect to a database by itself. A separate application is required to connect to the database, such as phpMyAdmin.
Drew Clemente

Drew Clemente

Devops & Sysadmin engineer. I basically build infrastructure online.