We all know the purpose of installing XAMPP on a computer is to achieve a local platform to develop and test a web app locally before making it live. But if there’s a problem installing XAMPP MySQL then you may seek professional help and that’s where precisely this blog post will help you.

XAMPP is a software packet which contains four key components i.e. X stands for cross-platform compatibility, A (Apache web server), M (MySQL database), P(PHP), P (Perl). It has been designed to provide you a smooth installation experience to create a local web server for development and testing purpose. However, working on a website either on a local computer or hosted, you would need a database. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be MySQL expert to create a database with XAMPP. You can use phpMyAdmin graphical user interface for MySQL.

In this post, you will learn how XAMPP MySQL installation and configuration takes place. However, in my previous posts on how to install XAMPP and how to install WAMP, I’ve fully explained the role of MYSQL. But in this post, I’ll specifically talk about MySQL and Apache in reference to XAMPP.  

Download and Install: XAMPP MySQL Apache and PHP/Pearl

First, you need to download and install XAMPP installer on your computer. This way you’ll get a dedicated control panel to manage all the components. Whilst installing XAMPP you’ll see an option to select whether you wish to run MySQL and Apache as services. If you select the option, then MySQL and Apache will start at system boot-up with the database web management tool phpMyAdmin user interface to manage XAMPP MySQL.  

What is MySQL?

MySQL is an open source relational database management system (RDBMS) that relies on SQL (structured query language). Most of the web-based applications use RDBMS for its development. Basically, MySQL helps you structure your data, present the information in an organized manner, edit, delete, update, or retrieve data whenever required.

Any content management system (CMS) you use to create your website be it WordPress, Drupal, Magento, PrestaShop, etc. you would need MySQL to store and retrieve its data. All type of data like post content, post type, user profiles, tables, etc. is accessible via MySQL only. Mostly web servers which provide you one-click installation have already installed MySQL so that you don’t have to do it externally.

XAMPP MySQL as a package

XAMPP is a cross-platform compatible Apache distribution. Likewise, MySQL perfectly works on multiple operating systems and it can easily integrate with PHP. On XAMPP MySQL works as a database component which is required to run a database-enabled website and servers. On the control panel of XAMPP MySql and Apache need to be started first in order to run the website on the local server. As shown in the screenshot below. And when you see their status turned into green, that means it has been started correctly.

How do I use MySQL through XAMPP

XAMPP MySQL and phpMyAdmin

If you are going to have a WordPress website the best practice is to develop and test it locally before making it live. However, not only a WordPress website, rather any cms say Joomla, Drupal, PrestaShop, etc. you should test a website in a local environment before presenting it to live users.

In order to create a database or tables for the website, you need to log in to phpMyAdmin user interface. Click the Admin button from the XAMPP to run phpMyAdmin and the interface will look like the one shown below. Here, go to the ‘phpmyadmin’ click on the ‘New’ and then name the database. And finally, click on the ‘Create’ button to finish the process.

Creating a MySQL Database using XAMPP
Conclusion
So you can see how important role MySQL plays in the web development realm. In the layman language, we can say MySQL XAMP is like the backbone for a project. I’ll tell you why!! A project needs to be tested thoroughly to be successful. So, for this purpose, you need to have a secure and fully equipped platform. And XAMPP provides the required platform loaded with requisite components.

As you are are going to design a website and you are familiar with your CMS may be it is WordPress or Joomla, and you have also created the local development environment with XAMPP and MySQL with Apache Web Server. Now you need a beautiful website or theme. And to craft a beautiful website you need a powerful website builder. There are many WordPress Theme Builders available now these days but I’ll recommend TemplateToaster, it works locally on your Windows PC to design website of your choice. Produce your stunning website with this website builder and kick start your website in no time at all.