Creating a MySQL database

To create a database, scroll to the bottom of the MySQL Databases page and fill out the following fields.

Database Name

Enter a unique name for the database. Database names must be unique across the entire DreamHost system, and can only contain numbers, the letters a-z, and underscores (_). Picking a name that is longer and descriptive is recommended. For clarity, DreamHost suggests putting your domain in the database name such as "blog_example_com" instead of a less clear example of "blog12345".

Use Hostname / New Hostname

Here you can create a new hostname or select an existing one from a drop-down menu if any exist. Creating a hostname for each domain is generally recommended to prevent downtime should you remove a domain from your account in the future, and find out that other sites used a hostname on it and no longer functions.

First User / New Username

Here you can create a new MySQL user or select an existing one from a drop-down menu if any exist. For security reasons, having a MySQL user for each database is recommended so that any compromised site or credentials cannot be used to access your other databases.

New Password

If you are creating a new user, enter a password for that user here. If you select an existing user, this field is disabled.

New Password Again

If you are creating a new user, re-enter the same password as above here. If you select an existing user, this field is disabled.

Database Comment

Enter a description of your database here for organizational use. Optional.