Time for action - creating a database

First of all, you need to log in to your hosting control panel. You are looking for an option called "MySQL", "MySQL databases", or perhaps just "databases".

1. 1. Click on MySQL databases or something similar.

2. 2. Now we need to make another database. Look for the option Create new, Make a database, or perhaps just add. Click on it to see the options presented. Below is a screenshot of the database creation page on the Godaddy.com control panel. It serves as a good example because it has more options than most. If your screen has fewer options, that is okay. Just follow the guide for the bits you need to.

3. 3. Description: This is an arbitrary field. Suppose over the years you open a couple of dozen stores, all requiring a database; eventually just a database name might not be enough to identify its purpose. Put something quite descriptive here, like 1st PrestaShop on www.mydomain.com. Abbreviate it if there is not enough space.

4. 4. Database username: This is an important detail that needs to be remembered. It is case sensitive, so upper and lower case must be accurately recorded. Choose a username; again, it is arbitrary, but use something appropriate and not easily guessable, like mydomainsomesecretnumber. There will be a maximum number of characters, so you might need to use a shortened version. Write it down or copy and paste it into Windows Notepad or on a similar application. It is possible that you do not have a field for a name or it has already been filled out automatically. That's fine. Just write it down.

5. 5. Enter a memorable but un-guessable password. Again this might be decided for you and it might not have this option at all. Re-enter the password if required. Write it down or copy and paste it in Notepad or something similar.

6. 6. Read-Only User Name and Password: This is not required for PrestaShop, so leave it blank.

7. 7. If you get the choice to select versions for MySQL, tick/check the option for 5 or later.

8. 8. And, if as shown in the screenshot you get the option to Allow Direct Database Access, this is a definite No. We don't want people to fiddle with our database from far away.

9. 9. When you're done, click to create the database— OK, Finish, Create, or whatever your web host decides to label their button with.

10. 10. Now you should be able to see a summary of the database you created. Complete with the values you chose and the values chosen for you. The following screenshot will give you an idea. As usual, write it all down or copy and paste it into Notepad or some similar application.

What just happened?

Now we have a fresh database just itching to be filled up and manipulated. We also have the database information we need to do so. Next we can go to the most interesting part of the process and get our very first glimpse of PrestaShop in action. We'll set up the program right away.