Could use a bit of clarification on MySQL

iankoleryn · 08-03-2005, 05:14 PM

I'm muddling my way through PHP and in the past have set up my databases through interfaces (PLESK and myPHPAdmin) setup with the website's ISP. So now I'm on my own and have installed the Apache server, MySQL, and PHP5 on my home computer (Windows XP).
Before I go on to a problem I'm having with connecting, I'd like to know if I've got the visual right on this MySQL thing. It is my understanding that MySQL is one central 'storage' space for all databases created in MySQL & is therefore accessible from anywhere as long as I have the username & password (and the computer has the capabilities to access it), is this right?
So if I create a database from my home computer for a website that already has hosting setup, but I don't use an interface setup by that hosting company, I won't need to reCREATE the database through the hosting companies interface later, right?
(As I'm typing this, this seems like a silly question since I work ,with the databases I've already set up, from home all the time with Dreamweaver using the PHP connection code with localhost, username, password . )
Also maybe someone can explain why it is always 'localhost' in the connection code, why isn't it the IP address of the site/ISP?

**Grove** · 08-04-2005, 04:06 AM

I'm not too sure what you meant but I'll try and explain it to the best of my knowledge:

When you installed MySQL, you were asked to configure it. With those configurations on your home computer you will NOT be able to edit your database while on another computer. (Not that I am aware of) You will obviously be able to access it when using the website. By this I mean able to retrieve data from MySQL if you have Apache, PHP and MySQL setup.

Localhost is used instead of your IP because it is easier to remember. Localhost means your computer's IP. If you had a Dynamic Connection (IP Changes Everytime You Reboot) you would have to keep checking your IP. This is why you just use localhost because it is easier and more effecient.

If I have not answered your question, feel free to post back and I would be more than happy to justify or clarify my answers

Hope that helps,
Grove

08-03-2005, 05:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
iankoleryn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bonney Lake, WA Posts: 6 OS: Win XP	Could use a bit of clarification on MySQL I'm muddling my way through PHP and in the past have set up my databases through interfaces (PLESK and myPHPAdmin) setup with the website's ISP. So now I'm on my own and have installed the Apache server, MySQL, and PHP5 on my home computer (Windows XP). Before I go on to a problem I'm having with connecting, I'd like to know if I've got the visual right on this MySQL thing. It is my understanding that MySQL is one central 'storage' space for all databases created in MySQL & is therefore accessible from anywhere as long as I have the username & password (and the computer has the capabilities to access it), is this right? So if I create a database from my home computer for a website that already has hosting setup, but I don't use an interface setup by that hosting company, I won't need to reCREATE the database through the hosting companies interface later, right? (As I'm typing this, this seems like a silly question since I work ,with the databases I've already set up, from home all the time with Dreamweaver using the PHP connection code with localhost, username, password . ) Also maybe someone can explain why it is always 'localhost' in the connection code, why isn't it the IP address of the site/ISP?

08-04-2005, 04:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
Grove Professor/Moderator, TSF Design School Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 2,383 OS: Windows Vista SP2 32bit	MySQL I'm not too sure what you meant but I'll try and explain it to the best of my knowledge: When you installed MySQL, you were asked to configure it. With those configurations on your home computer you will NOT be able to edit your database while on another computer. (Not that I am aware of) You will obviously be able to access it when using the website. By this I mean able to retrieve data from MySQL if you have Apache, PHP and MySQL setup. Localhost is used instead of your IP because it is easier to remember. Localhost means your computer's IP. If you had a Dynamic Connection (IP Changes Everytime You Reboot) you would have to keep checking your IP. This is why you just use localhost because it is easier and more effecient. If I have not answered your question, feel free to post back and I would be more than happy to justify or clarify my answers Hope that helps, Grove __________________ ========================================== Get Help: TSF Security Forum \| HijackThis \| MB's 5 Step Process Get Clean: AdAware SE \| Spybot S&D \| CWShredder \| Ewido \| CleanUp! Get Protected: SpywareBlaster \| SpywareGuard \| Windows Updates \| IE-SpyAd If TSF has helped you, please consider making a donation to help keep the board running.