The popular relational database
The world's most popular open-source relational database. Learn schema design, SQL, and how to run MySQL in real applications.
Install MySQL (or use a hosted one) and run your first queries.
# Download MySQL Community Server from https://dev.mysql.com/downloadsWhat it does
Installs the MySQL server plus client tools. On a hosted option (PlanetScale, Railway) you skip this.
Why you need it
You need a running MySQL server to create databases and run queries.
Alternatives: Docker (`mysql` image), PlanetScale, Railway, AWS RDS.
mysql -u root -p
CREATE DATABASE myapp;What it does
Log into the MySQL shell and create your first database.
Why you need it
A database is the container all your tables live in.
CREATE TABLE users (
id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
email VARCHAR(255) UNIQUE
);What it does
Define the columns and types for your data.
Why you need it
Tables give your data a consistent shape MySQL can enforce.