Time for action—step 3: Create a database
The next step is creating an empty database for Joomla!. If you're new to Joomla!, the concept of a web application using a database may take getting used to. The database isn't a regular file that you can create (or copy, move, or delete) on the web server. To create and manage a database, you use special software. Most web hosting companies offer you database access through a web interface (usually called a control panel). Popular control panels are Plesk and CPanel. You'll find details on the control panel that's available to you in your hosting account information.
In the following example, we'll use Plesk to create a new database. If your hosting company provides another control panel, the basic procedure won't be very different. However, if you're not sure how to access your web server control panel your host should be able to provide you with the details.
Tip
Sometimes web hosting providers don't allow their users to create their own database. Instead, they provide a pre-installed database. If this is the case, you can go on to Step 4, running the Joomla! installation wizard. You will need some database details for this: the database name, the database user name, and a password for this user. Check the account information you received from your host.
- Log in to the Plesk control panel with the account information you have received from your hosting provider. To add a new database, click on Databases and then click on Add New Database.
- Enter a name for the new database for example, joomladatabase. Click on OK.
- Create a new user for the database. Click on Add New Database User and enter a login name and password for the new user:
- Make a note of the information you used to install Joomla! later on: the database name, the database user name, and password.
What just happened?
Using a web control panel, you've set up an empty database and created a database user. You're almost there; this is the last step in preparing the Joomla! installation.