---
title: "Server Database Management"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/"
description: "Master your database with our expert guides on administration, management, and high availability for MySQL, MariaDB, and more."
vertical: "Hosting"
date: "2025-07-03"
last_modified: "2026-06-30"
---

# Server Database Management

This section contains articles and resources for database server administration. The topics cover fundamental database concepts and instructions for managing specific database management systems.

- ## [Adding MySQL Users to Databases](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/adding-mysql-users-to-databases/)
    
    You can create MySQL users to help you organize your database management, giving each user access to specific databases and specific privileges. You can assign MySQL users to databases and give them permissions using: cPanel or the command line.
- ## [Allowing Remote Database Access](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/allowing-remote-database-access/)
    
    Remote database access may be needed for third-party apps but is disabled by default due to security risks. Learn when and how to enable it safely.
- ## [Backing Up a MySQL Database](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/backing-up-a-mysql-database/)
    
    Protect your website data before making major changes. Learn how to manually back up your MySQL databases using cPanel, the command line, or Plesk.
- ## [Batch converting MySQL table engines](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/batch-converting-mysql-table-engines/)
    
    MySQL batch table engine conversion: MyISAM InnoDB. Get CLI scripts, rollback prep, & robust methods. \*Always backup data first!\*
- ## [Change a MySQL User Password](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/change-a-mysql-user-password/)
    
    Changing MySQL passwords to something new and secure is easy via the command line.
- ## [Change Your PostgreSQL Password on Linux](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/change-postgres-user-password-on-linux-via-command-line/)
    
    Postgres change password on Linux and enhance the security of your database.
- ## [Checking a MySQL Database for Errors and Repairing](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/checking-a-mysql-database-for-errors-and-repairing/)
    
    To check and repair MySQL database errors in cPanel, navigate to the MySQL Databases section after logging in. From there, you can access the home screen to manage databases and users.
- ## [Checking Your MySQL Version](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/checking-your-mysql-version/)
    
    If you are using MySQL databases, you might need to occasionally check the version of MySQL that is installed on your server. It’s easy to check your MySQL version using either cPanel or the command line.
- ## [Creating a MySQL User](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/creating-a-mysql-user/)
    
    Control MySQL database access by creating user-specific restrictions for databases, tables, and privileges. Use cPanel or the command line to create MySQL users.
- ## [DBeaver tutorial for PostgreSQL, SQLite, MySQL, and MariaDB](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/dbeaver-tutorial-for-postgresql-sqlite-mysql-mariadb/)
    
    This DBeaver tutorial will demonstrate how you can easily establish connections to a wide array of databases and work with them efficiently and effectively.
- ## [Deleting a MySQL Database](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/deleting-a-mysql-database/)
    
    Deleting unused databases frees up space but the action is permanent! We strongly recommend backing up your database before you delete it, just in case.
- ## [Deleting MySQL Users](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/deleting-mysql-users/)
    
    If you are using MySQL databases with multiple users, you may need to control database access by deleting database users. You can delete MySQL users using either cPanel or the command line.
- ## [How to connect to MySQL/MariaDB using SQLTools in VSCode](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/connect-to-mysql-mariadb-using-sqltools-vscode/)
    
    With SQLTools in VSCode, you can streamline your database workflow, making it a valuable tool for developers who interact with MySQL or MariaDB databases regularly.
- ## [How to Install MariaDB 5.5 on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/how-to-install-mariadb-5-5-on-ubuntu-14-04-lts/)
    
    In our tutorial, we install the database, MariaDB 5.5, otherwise known as MySQL, onto an Ubuntu 14.04 server in a few easy steps.
- ## [How to Repair MySQL Tables](https://docs.nexcess.com/sites-stores/server-administration/database-management/phpmyadmin/repair-mariadb-mysql-tables/)
    
    Learn how to repair MySQL tables in this helpful article using either phpMyAdmin or the MySQL CLI. Learn about MySQL database repair and table repair here.
- ## [Importing and exporting a MySQL database](https://docs.nexcess.com/sites-stores/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/import-or-export-a-mariadb-mysql-database/)
    
    Learn how to export and import MySQL databases for backups. This guide covers using the command line (`mysqldump`), phpMyAdmin, and WP-CLI.
- ## [Installing MySQL community edition on new AlmaLinux 8 servers](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/installing-mysql-community-edition-on-new-almalinux-8-servers/)
    
    Install MySQL Community on new AlmaLinux 8. \*NEW SERVERS ONLY\* (data loss risk). Steps: prep, repo, install, secure.
- ## [MariaDB / MySQL Database Administration](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/)
    
    Your hub for MySQL administration. Find tutorials on installation, user management, backups, optimization, and troubleshooting to master your database.
- ## [MariaDB performance tuning tips at Nexcess](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/mariadb-performance-tuning/)
    
    Optimize MariaDB performance with our tuning script and expert tips. Learn to use MySQLTuner and benchmarking to get a faster database today.
- ## [MariaDB vs MySQL: Which database solution is right for you?](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-vs-mysql-why-we-prefer-mariadb-for-new-installations/)
    
    MariaDB vs. MySQL — choosing MariaDB over MySQL improves performance, adds more features, hardens security, and future-proofs your database on a truly open source platform.
- ## [Modifying Fields in Database Tables with PhpMyAdmin](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/phpmyadmin/modifying-fields-in-database-tables-with-phpmyadmin/)
    
    Our tutorial walks you through examples of how to modify a field within your MySQL or MariaDB database. Learn to edit a field within a database table with phpMyAdmin.
- ## [Moving the MySQL Data Directory](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/moving-the-mysql-data-directory/)
    
    Move MySQL `datadir`: Step-by-step guide using `rsync`, symlinks, & `my.cnf` updates. Includes CloudLinux notes & critical backup advice.
- ## [MySQL Commands](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/mysql-commands/)
    
    MySQL command guide: Data dump/restore, password management, admin tasks (upgrades, root reset, slow log) & datadir/tmpdir setup.
- ## [MySQL Performance: Converting MySQL to MariaDB](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/upgrading-mysql-mariadb/)
    
    Converting MySQL to MariaDB is beneficial for optimizing your website and database. In our tutorial, we cover how to upgrade your database on your Ubuntu and CentOS server using cPanel, Plesk and command line.
- ## [MySQL Troubleshooting](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/mysql-troubleshooting/)
    
    MySQL troubleshooting guide: Resolve DB corruption, connection problems, full disks, remote access, & advanced errors.
- ## [Mysqldump](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/mysqldump/)
    
    Use `mysqldump` to backup & restore MySQL/MariaDB. Learn to export DBs/tables, restore from SQL, & fix “trigger in wrong schema” errors.
- ## [Mysqldump stored procedures](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/mysqldump-stored-procedures/)
    
    MySQL Stored Procedures: Check for routines & ensure they’re in `mysqldump` backups using `–routines`. cPanel’s `/scripts/pkgacct` handles this.
- ## [Percona](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/percona/)
    
    Percona Server on Core-Managed Linux (no cPanel): Install this MySQL alternative, upgrade existing DBs & leverage XtraDB for better performance.
- ## [phpMyAdmin Web-Based Database Management](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/phpmyadmin/)
    
    Master phpMyAdmin with our guides. Learn to import/export data, manage users, run queries, and optimize your database with this powerful web interface.
- ## [Resetting Your MySQL Root Password](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/resetting-your-mysql-root-password/)
    
    Reset MySQL root password if security compromised. Change passwords every 90 days for enhanced server security.
- ## [Restoring a MySQL Database from a Backup](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/restoring-a-mysql-database-from-a-backup/)
    
    Made a change and something went wrong? Restoring a MySQL database from a backup is the fastest way to get your site back online. Here’s how.
- ## [Selecting a MySQL Database via Command Line and cPanel](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/selecting-a-mysql-database/)
    
    Have multiple MySQL databases? To avoid editing the wrong one, you must select it first. Here’s how to do it using cPanel or the command line.
- ## [Setup phpMyAdmin on Linux (AlmaLinux)](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/phpmyadmin/setup-on-almalinux/)
    
    Our helpful guide shows you how to install phpMyAdmin on AlmaLinux to easily manage your MariaDB or MySQL databases.
- ## [Show (List) MySQL Databases via Command Line on Linux](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/list-mysql-databases-command-line-linux/)
    
    Find out how to easily show (list) all MySQL databases on Linux via command line with our comprehensive tutorial.
- ## [Understanding Databases](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/understanding-databases/)
    
    A database is an organized collection of information. It provides an efficient and organized mechanism for storing, managing, and retrieving data.
- ## [Understanding key MySQL variables](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/understanding-key-mysql-variables/)
    
    This guide explains key MySQL variables, their purpose, impact, and default values. It’s a reference for understanding server behavior and optimization, with caution for changes.
- ## [Understanding the InnoDB storage engine in MySQL](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/understanding-the-innodb-storage-engine-in-mysql/)
    
    InnoDB: MySQL/MariaDB’s default engine for performance & reliability. Guide: features, `SHOW ENGINES`, create/alter tables & fix issues.
- ## [Upgrading MySQL](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/upgrading-mysql/)
    
    Planning a MySQL upgrade? Review supported upgrade paths, understand MariaDB migrations, and find step-by-step guides for WHM, Ubuntu, CentOS, and Plesk.
- ## [Upgrading MySQL on CentOS](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/upgrading-mysql-on-centos/)
    
    Safely upgrade MySQL on an unmanaged CentOS server. Learn how to handle backups, fix old password hashes, update binaries, and import tables via SSH.
- ## [Upgrading MySQL on Ubuntu](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/upgrading-mysql-on-ubuntu/)
    
    This tutorial is for the purpose of upgrading MySQL on an unmanaged server with an Ubuntu operating system. If you have CentOS or are upgrading via cPanel, please see our articles for instructions on upgrading via CentOS or WHM.
- ## [Upgrading MySQL/MariaDB on core managed servers](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/upgrading-mysql-mariadb-on-core-managed-servers/)
    
    Safely upgrade MySQL/MariaDB: Step-by-step guide for Core Managed servers. Includes pre-checks, backups (`rsync`, `mysqldump`), upgrade & follow-up.
- ## [Using MySQL Tools via Secure Shell (SSH)](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/using-mysql-tools-via-secure-shell-ssh/)
    
    Interacting with MySQL Client via command line allows manipulation of databases and their functions. This article covers common commands and their functionalities, facilitating database management.
- ## [Using phpMyAdmin](https://docs.nexcess.com/sites-stores/server-administration/database-management/phpmyadmin/faq/)
    
    Some website admins have trouble leveraging phpMyAdmin as a MySQL/MariaDB management tool, but Nexcess Hosting makes it easy to use from the Nexcess Client Portal.
- ## [What is MySQL Indexing?](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/database-management/mariadb-mysql/what-is-mysql-indexing/)
    
    What is MySQL indexing? Learn how it speeds up database queries by replacing slow linear searches with efficient binary sorting to improve server performance.