MySQL Databases
MySQL Databases allow you to add functionality to a website that is simply not possible on a static HTML site. Most web hosting accounts come with database access and all Linux based accounts will have MySQL Databases as a choice along with other choices like PostgreSQL in some situations.
MySQL is an open source database system. Forums, blogs and other applications all require a database to store data and MySQL works with everything. Some people are able to design and develop MySQL databases from scratch, whilst the rest of us will be happy using script automation programs like Fantastico to set it all up for you.
MySQL databases simply allow information to be stored which can then be used by a program. PHP is an open source programming language which is commonly used with MySQL databases. MySQL, like other database systems, require advanced knowledge to set up and interact with. You also need to know how to write a program if you wish to use the data in the database.
Thankfully Fantastico makes the process easy if you are using a web host with cPanel. By installing Wordpress, a forum or any other piece of software through Fantastico, the MySQL database is automatically set up for you. In most circumstances you will never have to directly access the database yourself nor will you even realize you are using it.
MySQL databases in cPanel
If you do wish to create a database in cPanel you may go to phpMyAdmin which is the database administration part of MySQL. Here you can delete, see and edit your databases. Only use this section if you are sure of what you are doing as it is easy to ruin an entire website if you change something you are unsure of.
You might think that all database systems are the same but they are not and in fact, MySQL has many features that other databases simply do not offer. These include multiple storage engines, native storage engines, partner developed storage engines and community developed storage engines. Commit grouping is another MySQL unique feature and it involves gathering multiple transactions from multiple connections which increases the amount of commits per second.
MySQL is a fantastic RDBMS (relational database management system) and one that is extremely powerful. Many of the most popular sites on the web are using MySQL as their database so they are definitely doing something right!
All cPanel hosts offer MySQL database access so you will not have a problem finding a host offering this feature.