Creating and managing databases
Most web apps — WordPress, Laravel, custom PHP and more — need a MySQL database. The cPanel Database Wizard walks you through creating one, adding a user and granting the right permissions in a few clicks.
A MySQL database stores the content your application generates — posts, users, orders and settings. On Internext hosting you create databases through the cPanel MySQL Database Wizard, which guides you step by step so you don't need to run any SQL by hand. You'll finish with four values your app needs: database name, username, password and host.
Step 1 — Open the MySQL Database Wizard
Log in to cPanel (see how to log in to cPanel), scroll to the Databases section and click MySQL Database Wizard. The wizard breaks the whole process into simple numbered steps.
Step 2 — Create the database
Type a short, descriptive name for your new database — for example appdb — and click Next Step. cPanel automatically adds your account name as a prefix, so the real database name becomes something like acct_appdb. Make a note of the full prefixed name.
acct_appdb) in your app's config — not just the part you typed. The same prefix rule applies to usernames.Step 3 — Create a database user
- Enter a username (it will also be prefixed, e.g.
acct_appuser). - Click Password Generator and copy a strong password somewhere safe.
- Click Create User.
Step 4 — Add the user with ALL PRIVILEGES
On the privileges screen, tick the ALL PRIVILEGES checkbox at the top so the user can create tables and read and write data, then click Next Step. Most applications need full privileges on their own database to work correctly.
Step 5 — Note the connection details
Your app's configuration file needs four values:
- Database name — e.g.
acct_appdb - Database user — e.g.
acct_appuser - Password — the one you generated
- Host —
localhoston cPanel, because the site and database run on the same server
Frequently asked
What host should I use in my config?
Use localhost. On cPanel the web server and MySQL run on the same machine, so applications connect over the local socket rather than a remote hostname.
Can I back up a database?
Yes. In phpMyAdmin choose your database and click Export to download a .sql file. You can also use the full account backup tool — see restoring from a backup.
Related guides
Stuck on a database setup?
Our Dubai-based team can create your database, wire it to your app's config and check the connection for you. Just reach out.