What is MySQL and how do I use it?

[MC-Servers Ltd]

Hello guys, so I've heard about MySQL a long-time ago, but to this day I still have no idea how it works or even what it is.

I know it's some sort of data base but can someone elaborate what it is, and what implications it will have on a minecraft server if it does have it

thanks

 

[matthewp]

Hello guys, so I've heard about MySQL a long-time ago, but to this day I still have no idea how it works or even what it is.

I know it's some sort of data base but can someone elaborate what it is, and what implications it will have on a minecraft server if it does have it

thanks

It is used for storing data mostly, rather it be profiles, practice matches, factions, etc. But some people prefer Redis or MongoDB as they are faster, but to me complex to use. Using mysql is sometimes a pain as queries take quite a bit of time depending on the Result size, so people use Redis as it is blazing fast and you don't need to cache anything.

 

[MC-Servers Ltd]

It is used for storing data mostly, rather it be profiles, practice matches, factions, etc. But some people prefer Redis or MongoDB as they are faster, but to me complex to use. Using mysql is sometimes a pain as queries take quite a bit of time depending on the Result size, so people use Redis as it is blazing fast and you don't need to cache anything.

I see.

so, if say for example, something happens on my OPFactions server, I can just use the data stored on MySQL to restore it?

What's the difference between "rolling" the server back, and using MySQL to get the data back?

 

[MC-Servers Ltd]

Great question! I love to help people when members ask good questions like this.

You are correct in your assertion that MySQL is a type of database. It is a very popular database (if not the most popular one). In the Minecraft community, plugins often use MySQL to store player data and sync changes between multiple servers if it's a network. But that's only a small slice of what it can do.

Nearly every application uses some type of database. They all do the same thing for the most part (store data), but each has different ways to go about it.

I see, but what will that mean for me if I was the owner of a minecraft server?

Also, how do I get/install a MySQL database to my server?[DOUBLEPOST=1496513975][/DOUBLEPOST]

MySQL is a database management system - in terms of Minecraft, storing data for users. Used mainly on larger servers. Why? The database contains users information in rows with different values in columns. All the information is stored in tables which can then be queried to find users information more quickly. Overall it can make a larger server more robust.

MySQL only will hold things like player data, not the world.

Makes sense .

What would player data be? Like their profile name, when they joined, MCMMO level, what they have in chests etc? that type of thing?

 

[MC-Servers Ltd]

Most Minecraft shared hosting includes the use of a MySQL database. You can find the access credentials on the control panel.

If you are using a dedicated server or VPS, there are many helpful tutorials on setting up MySQL.

Yes, I am using a VPS, soon going to move to a dedicated server.
I'm probably going to get someone to set up the MySQL for me.

Is it hard to read? Like is the data self-explanatory or is it in like coding/data language lol

 

[MC-Servers Ltd]

MySQL databases are in plain text if you are viewing it in an application like PHPMyAdmin. The best way to describe it is like a spreadsheet that you would find in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.

In theory any kind of data can be stored in a MySQL database - its really down to you what is stored. Most plugins that take advantage of MySQL make tables automatically and insert the data automatically but almost any data can be stored in a MySQL. Message me if you need any assistance with it

Thank you for everyone who has helped me on this thread! I got a better idea of it now!