Files & databases tutorials

The practical side of running a site: getting files onto the server efficiently and working with the MySQL databases behind most applications. You'll set up SFTP so you can edit locally and upload changes, create a database and connect code to it, and move a database between hosts while avoiding the import errors that catch people out.

1. Create a database and connect an application to it

   Create a MySQL database and user, confirm the login in phpMyAdmin, and connect a PHP script with PDO.

   Covers: Create the database and user; Open phpMyAdmin; Create a table; Create a test script; Visit it; Delete the test.

   Beginner15 min
2. Set up SFTP and manage your site from your computer

   Configure FileZilla for SFTP, save the connection, and use folder comparison to upload only what’s changed.

   Covers: Create a site in Site Manager; Set default folders; Enable synchronised browsing; Connect and accept the host key; Compare folders; Upload changes.

   Beginner15 min
3. Export a database and import it somewhere else

   Move a MySQL database between hosts or into a new database with phpMyAdmin, handling the errors imports commonly hit.

   Covers: Export from the source; Check the export; Remove database-specific lines if present; Create the target database; Import; Compare; Update the application.

   Intermediate25 min