Managing databases in a hosting environment doesn’t have to be complicated. With phpMyAdmin for MySQL and MariaDB — a user-friendly web interface available on most modern hosting platforms, including shared hosting, VPS, and dedicated servers — you can easily view, edit, and maintain databases without writing SQL queries manually.This guide will help you get started with phpMyAdmin — from basic navigation to everyday database management for websites, online stores, and applications.

What Is phpMyAdmin?

phpMyAdmin is an open-source administration tool that lets you interact with MySQL or MariaDB databases through your browser. It’s designed for developers, webmasters, and site owners who want to manage their data without needing direct command-line access.

With phpMyAdmin, you can:

  • Browse and manage databases
  • Execute SQL queries
  • Import and export tables
  • Modify database structure
  • Manage users and permissions

How to Access phpMyAdmin

Accessing phpMyAdmin usually involves logging into your hosting control panel (like cPanel, Plesk, or DirectAdmin) and finding the phpMyAdmin link under the “Databases” section. From there:

  • Click the link to open the phpMyAdmin interface
  • Select the database from the left sidebar
  • Start exploring or modifying your data

 Pro Tip: Always create a backup before making structural changes to your database.

Common Tasks in phpMyAdmin

1. Browsing and Editing Tables

Select your database → click a table → choose “Browse” to view records or “Structure” to edit columns.

You can update records directly through the interface or write custom SQL.

2. Running SQL Queries

Use the SQL tab to write and execute custom queries. For example:

SELECT * FROM users WHERE status = 'active';

This is useful for filtering, analyzing, or troubleshooting data.

3. Importing and Exporting Databases

  • Export: Go to the Export tab → choose “Quick” or “Custom” → download the .sql file.
  • Import: Go to the Import tab → upload a .sql file to restore or migrate your database.

Perfect for backups and site migrations.

4. Creating or Deleting Tables

While databases themselves are usually created through your hosting panel, phpMyAdmin lets you:

  • Add new tables to existing databases
  • Delete (drop) old or unused tables — irreversible, so be careful!

5. Managing Users and Permissions

If your permissions allow, you can:

  • Create or delete users
  • Grant or revoke access to specific databases
  • Change user passwords

This is key for maintaining security and user access control.

Best Practices for Working with phpMyAdmin

  • Always backup before editing tables or structures
  • Use strong passwords for database users
  • Don’t edit CMS core tables (like WordPress) unless you’re sure what you’re doing
  • Always log out after your session for security

Final Thoughts

phpMyAdmin is a powerful yet intuitive tool that gives you full control over your MySQL or MariaDB databases — whether you’re managing content, users, or application data. It’s an essential part of working within a hosting environment and makes even complex operations accessible to beginners.By learning how to work efficiently in phpMyAdmin, you’ll be able to confidently manage your site’s database and solve issues quickly — no terminal required.