Database-driven websites allow for web pages to be dynamically created based on information stored in a separate database.

MySQL is one of the more popular database formats. Others include Microsoft SQL (MS SQL), PostgreSQL and Oracle. MySQL is complemented by PHP, which includes native functions to control a MySQL database. MySQL’s advantages are speed, stability and ease of use.

MySQL is an open source database language, which means it is free for personal, educational and commercial use.

Most web hosting services offer at least one MySQL database if they also offer PHP support and run on a Unix-based operating system such as Linux. The alternative combination is usually an MS SQL database driven by ASP running on a Microsoft operating system.

Some web hosting companies will offer additional MySQL databases as their web hosting plans increase in cost. While a single MySQL database could technically serve multiple uses, it is much more practical to use different MySQL databases for different websites, unless they are sharing content or purpose. If possible, choose a web host offering more than one MySQL database.

A web hosting company may also choose to limit the amount of queries performed on a MySQL database. This encourages sleek programming practices, but can be a problem if your website is database-intensive and receives many visitors.

For more information about using PHP & MySQL together, read our article on Web Hosting with PHP & MySQL Support.