What Is phpMyAdmin? A Beginner's Guide

PhpMyAdmin is a handy online tool that lets you manage your databases. Think of a database as a digital cabinet full of information, for example all the data of your website or online store. With PhpMyAdmin you can easily view, edit or back up that information. You don't need any programming knowledge for it.

Why is it useful for you?

• No technical knowledge needed.

• Everything works through a clear interface.

• Perfect for small business owners, bloggers and new online store owners.
  
  

How do you access PhpMyAdmin?

PhpMyAdmin is available by default in most control panels:

In DirectAdmin:

1. Log in to DirectAdmin.

2. Click MySQL Management.

3. Click the PhpMyAdmin button at the top.

In cPanel:

1. Log in to cPanel.

2. Scroll to the Databases section.

3. Click PhpMyAdmin.

In Plesk:

1. Log in to Plesk.

2. Go to Websites & Domains.

3. Click Databases and then PhpMyAdmin next to your database.
   
   

Logging in to PhpMyAdmin

1. As soon as you click the link to PhpMyAdmin, a new window opens.

2. Log in with your database username and password (you can find these in your hosting dashboard).

3. Can't log in? Check that you have the correct password. You can always reset the password via DirectAdmin or cPanel.
   
   

Exploring the PhpMyAdmin interface

Once you are logged in, you see a list of your databases on the left.

Key parts:

• Databases: This is where your websites or apps are.

• Tables: Each database contains tables with information such as customer details or orders.

• SQL tab: This is where you run commands (queries) manually.

• Export / Import: Use these to make backups or import data.
  
  

Managing databases

Want to create a new database? You usually do that in your hosting panel, not in PhpMyAdmin.

Creating or editing tables:

1. Click your database.

2. Click "New table" to add something.

3. Click an existing table to view or edit its data.

Editing data:

• Click a table.

• Click Insert to add data.

• Click Edit or Delete next to existing rows.
  
  

Running SQL queries

Click the SQL tab in PhpMyAdmin.

Examples of basic queries:

• SELECT * FROM customers; → shows all customers.

• INSERT INTO customers (name, email) VALUES ('Jan', 'jan@example.com'); → adds a customer.

• UPDATE customers SET name='Piet' WHERE id=1; → changes a name.

• DELETE FROM customers WHERE id=2; → deletes a customer.
  
  

Making and importing backups

Exporting a database:

1. Click your database.

2. Click Export at the top.

3. Choose 'Quick' export and press Go.

Importing a database:

1. Click your database.

2. Click Import.

3. Choose the .sql file and press Go.
   
   

Managing users and permissions

You usually do this via your hosting panel (DirectAdmin, cPanel, Plesk).

1. Go to MySQL Users.

2. Create a new user.

3. Link the user to a database and set permissions (read only, write, or everything).
   
   

Security tips

• Always use a strong password (letters, numbers, symbols).

• Never share your login details with others.

• Only use secure networks when you log in to PhpMyAdmin.

• Always log out when you are done.
  
  

Need help?

Don't worry if all of this is new to you: you're not on your own. You can always visit our support page or ask your question via the chat on the website. We're happy to help!