Installing and Configuring MySQL for PHP

A PHP MySQL application requires a running server, a database user and a matching PHP database driver.

The examples focus on the operation itself, including the important distinction: MySQL Server stores tables; pdo_mysql/mysqli are PHP client interfaces.

What It Does

Use the examples below to observe the behavior on a small dataset before extending it to application code.

Before You Start

The examples use PHP 8.2+ features where shown. Database snippets require the corresponding PDO driver, demo tables, and credentials configured outside source code.

Example 1: Basic Use

Server installation is a separate operating-system step: run MySQL, create a restricted user, and configure local connectivity.

<?php
$required = ["pdo", "pdo_mysql"];
foreach ($required as $extension) {
    echo $extension . ": " . (extension_loaded($extension) ? "available" : "missing") . PHP_EOL;
}
echo extension_loaded("pdo_mysql") ? "MySQL driver available" : "Install the matching PHP driver";

Output from a successful local PHP 8.4 run:

pdo: available
pdo_mysql: missing
Install the matching PHP driver

Example 2: Checking Behavior

Server installation is a separate operating-system step: run MySQL, create a restricted user, and configure local connectivity. Check the exact PHP driver that your application intends to use.

<?php
$required = ["pdo", "mysqli"];
foreach ($required as $extension) {
    echo $extension . ": " . (extension_loaded($extension) ? "available" : "missing") . PHP_EOL;
}
echo extension_loaded("pdo_mysql") ? "MySQL driver available" : "Install the matching PHP driver";

Output from a successful local PHP 8.4 run:

pdo: available
mysqli: missing
Install the matching PHP driver

Example 3: Practical Example

Server installation is a separate operating-system step: run MySQL, create a restricted user, and configure local connectivity. Check the exact PHP driver that your application intends to use.

<?php
$required = ["mysqlnd", "pdo_mysql"];
foreach ($required as $extension) {
    echo $extension . ": " . (extension_loaded($extension) ? "available" : "missing") . PHP_EOL;
}
echo extension_loaded("pdo_mysql") ? "MySQL driver available" : "Install the matching PHP driver";

Output from a successful local PHP 8.4 run:

mysqlnd: missing
pdo_mysql: missing
Install the matching PHP driver

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

Use a restricted application account, environment-managed credentials and compatible UTF-8 settings.

Comparison with Related Approaches

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• A PHP MySQL application requires a running server, a database user and a matching PHP database driver.
• Use a restricted application account, environment-managed credentials and compatible UTF-8 settings.
• MySQL Server stores tables; pdo_mysql/mysqli are PHP client interfaces.

Use Installing and Configuring MySQL for PHP when its documented behavior matches the problem. Test the relevant edge cases in your own runtime before deploying it.