How to create a database in Plesk

How to create a database in Plesk

Creating a database in Plesk is a fundamental task for website development and management, particularly in your role as a web developer and server administrator. Plesk provides a user-friendly interface for database creation, allowing you to set up and manage databases efficiently. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create a database in Plesk:

Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Database in Plesk

Accessing Plesk

1. Log into Plesk:
   • Access your Plesk control panel by entering your credentials. Typically, the login URL is formatted as https://yourdomain.com:8443.

Navigating to Database Management

2. Navigate to Databases:
   • Once logged in, go to the ‘Websites & Domains’ tab. Here, you’ll find the ‘Databases’ section. Click on it to access the database management area.

Creating the Database

3. Add New Database:
   • Look for a button or link that says ‘Add Database’, ‘New Database’, or ‘Create Database’. Click on this to initiate the process of creating a new database.
4. Fill in Database Details:
   • Database Name: Enter a name for your new database. This name should be unique within your Plesk panel and ideally descriptive of its purpose.
   • Related Site: If you have multiple domains or subdomains in your Plesk account, select the one related to this database.
   • Database User: You may have the option to create a new database user at this stage. If so, provide a username and a strong password. If not, you can create the user after creating the database (as described in the previous guide on creating a database user).
   • Database Type: Select the type of database (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL). The options available depend on what your hosting provider supports.
5. Create the Database:
   • After filling in all the details, click the button to create the database, typically labeled ‘OK’, ‘Create’, or ‘Save’.

Post-Creation Steps

6. Verify the Database Creation:
   • Once the database is created, it should be listed in the database management section of Plesk. Ensure that all details are correct.
7. Manage Database (if necessary):
   • If you didn’t create a database user during the database creation process, do so now. Also, you can manage other aspects like importing data, assigning users, and setting permissions.
8. Use the Database:
   • The database is now ready for use. You can connect to this database from your applications by using the database name, username, and password.
9. Document the Change:
   • Maintain documentation of your database configurations, especially in a team environment or when managing multiple projects. This practice is crucial for tracking and maintenance purposes.

Conclusion

Creating a database in Plesk is a straightforward process, crucial for web development and application management. As a dedicated server administrator and web developer, managing databases efficiently is key to the smooth operation of your websites and applications. Always ensure that you follow best practices for database security, such as using strong passwords and assigning appropriate permissions. Regular backups and documentation are also essential for effective database management.