PHP/MySQL | Updated 2026
Ultra Web Hosting uses MariaDB as the database server on all shared hosting accounts. MariaDB is a drop-in replacement for MySQL, created by the original MySQL developers. Everything that works with MySQL works with MariaDB - same commands, same tools, same syntax.
Key Point
MariaDB = MySQL for all practical purposes
If your application says it requires MySQL, it will work with MariaDB. WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, and virtually every PHP application that supports MySQL also supports MariaDB with zero configuration changes. Your connection strings, phpMyAdmin access, and SQL queries are all identical.
01. Why MariaDB?
- Performance - MariaDB includes query optimizations not found in MySQL Community Edition
- Open source - Fully open source with no proprietary components
- Active development - Regular security patches and feature updates
- 100% compatible - Uses the same data formats, protocols, and SQL syntax as MySQL
02. Managing Your Databases
- phpMyAdmin - Browse, edit, import, export. See View/Modify Data in MySQL.
- Create databases - cPanel > Databases > MySQL Databases
- Add users - See Add a User to a Database
- Backups - See How to Backup MySQL
- Connection port - See What Port Is MySQL On?
Database Questions?
Open a Support TicketQuick Recap
- MariaDB is our database server - Fully compatible with MySQL
- No changes needed for MySQL applications
- Manage via phpMyAdmin in cPanel
- Create databases and users in cPanel > MySQL Databases
- Same commands, same tools as MySQL
Database fundamentals · Last updated March 2026 · Browse all PHP/MySQL articles
