Making a database

PrestaShop needs a MySQL database to function. The files we have just uploaded are the web pages that will become your store and the PHP programming code that performs the actions required by your store.

For example, when a customer creates an account in your new shop, the programming code contained in the files that we uploaded will fill out and store the information in a completely separate computer program. This program is called a database server and the type of database server that PrestaShop uses is called MySQL. Usually, when you are pro-hosting, this server will be an entirely different physical computer to the one holding your files (the web server).

As with many servers/computer programs, you need a username and password to access its functions. You also need a unique name for a database for your shop on that server, and you need to know the address locating the server. As an example, this could be aserver.myhost.com. Or it could be something completely different.

Now many web hosts will have already allocated database server details to your hosting account. If this is the case, then you only need to find them and make a note of them for the next phase of the installation.

Most likely your web hosts have a simple two- or three-click process for creating a database. You can then access the details of this newly created database in order to proceed.

Precise details will vary from host to host and also the order in which the options are presented (if at all). The database creation process goes like this.

If you already have a created database, that is okay. PrestaShop can function on a database used by other applications. However, to make sure that they do not conflict, or worse, damage each other, pay close attention to the How to install PrestaShop section to be sure you create a table prefix!