Learn About MySQL

Databases | Updated 2026

MariaDB (the MySQL-compatible database server on Ultra Web Hosting) stores the data behind most dynamic websites, from WordPress posts to e-commerce products. This guide covers the basics you need to know as a hosting customer.

In This Guide

What is MariaDB/MySQL
Creating a Database
Using phpMyAdmin
Connection Settings
Common Tasks
Troubleshooting

MariaDB, Not MySQL

Our servers run MariaDB, which is a drop-in replacement for MySQL. All MySQL commands, tools, and connection methods work exactly the same. When you see "MySQL" in cPanel or in your application settings, it connects to MariaDB behind the scenes.

01. What is MariaDB/MySQL

A database is an organized collection of data stored on the server. Web applications like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and custom PHP sites use databases to store content, user accounts, settings, and more. Without a database, these applications cannot function.

Key concepts:

Database - a container that holds tables of related data
Table - a structured set of rows and columns (like a spreadsheet)
SQL - the language used to read, write, and manage data
Database user - a login account with specific permissions on one or more databases

02. Creating a Database

Log into cPanel and go to Databases > MySQL Databases
Enter a database name and click Create Database
Create a database user with a strong password in the MySQL Users section below
Add the user to the database and assign "All Privileges"

Naming Convention

cPanel prefixes all database and user names with your cPanel username. If your username is ultra and you create a database called blog, the actual name is ultra_blog. Use the prefixed name in your application's database settings.

For detailed steps on adding users to databases, see How to Add a User to a MariaDB/MySQL Database.

03. Using phpMyAdmin

phpMyAdmin is a web-based tool for managing your databases. Access it from cPanel > Databases > phpMyAdmin.

With phpMyAdmin you can:

Browse and search table data
Run SQL queries
Import and export databases (backups)
Create, modify, and delete tables
Repair and optimize tables

Be Careful

phpMyAdmin gives you direct access to your data. Always back up your database before making changes. A wrong DELETE or DROP command cannot be undone.

04. Connection Settings

When configuring a web application to connect to your database, use these settings:

Hostname:  localhost
Port:      3306
Database:  cpanelusername_dbname
Username:  cpanelusername_dbuser
Password:  (the password you set when creating the user)

Remote Connections

By default, databases only accept connections from localhost (scripts on the same server). If you need to connect from an external application, see What Port is MariaDB/MySQL On? and Troubleshooting Port 3306 Connections.

05. Common Tasks

Importing a Database

To import a .sql file (database backup or migration):

Open phpMyAdmin and select your database from the left sidebar
Click the Import tab
Choose your .sql file and click Go

For files larger than the phpMyAdmin upload limit, use SSH:

mysql -u cpanelusername_dbuser -p cpanelusername_dbname < backup.sql

Exporting a Database

To create a backup:

Open phpMyAdmin and select your database
Click the Export tab
Choose "Quick" export method and format "SQL"
Click Go to download the .sql file

Resetting a Database Password

Go to cPanel > MySQL Databases > Current Users, click "Change Password" next to the user, and set a new password. Update the password in your application's configuration file (e.g., wp-config.php for WordPress).

06. Troubleshooting

Common database errors and fixes:

"Error establishing a database connection" - wrong credentials in your config file. See Cannot Connect to MariaDB/MySQL
"Access denied for user" - the database user does not have permissions on that database. Re-add the user in cPanel > MySQL Databases
"Table is marked as crashed" - repair the table in phpMyAdmin (select table > click Repair)
MySQL strict mode errors - see Disable MySQL Strict Mode

Need Database Help?

If you are having trouble with your database, our support team can help diagnose connection issues and assist with imports.

Open a Support Ticket

Quick Recap: Database Essentials

Create database and user in cPanel > MySQL Databases
Add the user to the database with All Privileges
Use phpMyAdmin for browsing, importing, and exporting
Connect with localhost:3306 and your prefixed database/user names
Always back up before making manual database changes

12,020 users found this article useful · Last updated March 2026 · Browse all Database articles