How to Create and Delete MySQL Databases and Users

Databases play a critical role in the digital world, especially when managing vast data efficiently. They serve as the backbone for various web-based applications by providing a structured way to store, retrieve, and manipulate data. 

In essence, databases are indispensable for the functionality and efficiency of web-based applications. They enable these platforms to handle large volumes of data seamlessly, support multiple users, and provide dynamic content and interactions.

• Access cPanel
• Create or Delete a MySQL Database
• Create or Delete a Database User
• Define a User's Privileges
• Using the Database
• Summary

Access cPanel

1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.
2. Navigate to the Hosting tab located on the left side of your Account Manager dashboard and click on it.
   
3. Under the All My Hosting Packages section, select the name of the hosting package you wish to manage;
   • If you have multiple Hosting packages associated with your account, click the MANAGE button for the specific Hosting package you want to manage.
   • If you have only one Hosting package, you will be redirected to the Hosting Overview page.
4. Access cPanel by locating the Quick Links section and clicking the cPANEL button.
   

For more information on accessing cPanel, visit our guide: How To Access cPanel - What You Need / Where To Find cPanel.

Create or Delete a MySQL Database

How to Create MySQL Database

1. Navigate to the Database section and select MySQL Databases.
   
2. Enter a name for the database in the field New Database.
   
3. Click on the Create Database button.
4. Click on the option Go Back.
   
   The newly created database will be displayed in the Current Databases table.
   

How to Delete MySQL Databases

1. Go to the Database section and select MySQL Databases.
   
2. Navigate to the Current Databases section.
3. Click the Delete database link next to the database you want to remove.
   
   If you want to remove a user who has access to a database, click the 🗑 trash can icon next to their name in the table.
   

Create or Delete a Database User

After creating the database, a MySQL user account must be created separately from mail and web administrator accounts. Once created, the user account will need to be granted privileges to access the newly created database.

Create a Database User

1. Navigate to the Database section and select MySQL databases.
   
2. Locate the MySQL Users section of the MySQL Databases tool. To quickly find this section, click "Jump to MySQL Users".
   
3. Enter a username in the Add New User field.
   

   Note: The username must be 7 letters or shorter.

4. Input a password into the designated Password field.

   Tip: If you need assistance creating a strong password, click the Generate Password button.

5. Enter your password again in the Password (Again) field to confirm it.
6. Click on the Create User button.
7. Click on the option Go Back.
   

Delete a Database User

1. Go to the Database section and choose MySQL Databases.
   
2. Navigate to the Current Users section
   
3. Locate the user you want to remove and click the trash can icon 🗑 trash can icon next to their name. 

Define a User's Privileges

Privileges define how the user can interact with the database. For example, they will determine whether or not the user can add and delete information.

Assign a Database User

1. Go to the Database section and MySQL databases.
   
2. Add a user to the database, and choose the desired user from the User drop-down menu.
   
3. Choose the database from the drop-down menu to which you want to grant user access.
4. Click Add.
5. On the MySQL Account Maintenance screen, you can choose the privileges to grant the user or select ALL PRIVILEGES.
   
6. Click Make Changes.
   

Un-assign, a Database User

To un-assign a user from a database, kindly click the 🗑 trash can icon next to the user on the database table.

Using the Database

Now that you can create databases and users and assign appropriate privileges, you can use the following articles as a reference for editing and connecting to your databases.

• How to Copy a Database Using phpMyAdmin
• Remote Database Connection Setup
• Managing Databases with Applications
• MySQL Connection Strings

Summary

Managing databases is critical to running web-based applications such as bulletin boards, content management systems, and online retail shops. The process involves several key steps, accessible through the cPanel, which serves as a central hub for hosting management.

Key Steps Include:

1. Accessing cPanel
2. Creating or Deleting a MySQL Database
3. Creating or Deleting a Database User
4. Defining a User's Privileges
5. Using the Database

Efficient database management is crucial to the smooth operation of our web-based services. cPanel provides users with a comprehensive set of tools for database creation, user management, and privilege assignment, ensuring that databases are secure and function effectively. Following the steps outlined provides a foundational understanding of database management, enabling users to maintain their web applications confidently.