Hosting - What is MySQL?

Without getting too technical, MySQL is about databases. If your website needs to update, store or access large quantities of information via the Internet, then you'll need MySQL to achieve this.

There are many database systems for doing this, but 95% of web hosting companies provide MySQL as standard because it does such a good job.

Hosting companies usually allow you to create one MySQL database, and for most websites this is adequate. If you want to use more than one MySQL database, you'll have to pay more.

Typical uses of MySQL database would be an online catalogue of goods for sale that the customer can browse and select items to purchase. If your website is in the business of selling multiple products, then you'll need MySQL.