Overview
This article is a quick overview of how MySQL databases are configured at DreamHost.
FAQs
What is MySQL?
MySQL is one of the most widely used open-source database systems, compatible with a multitude of website applications.
What version does DreamHost run?
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Shared MySQL servers, MySQL VPS, DreamPress, and Dedicated servers run MySQL version 8.
Customers familiar with running their own MySQL server and who wish to use a newer version can upgrade to a Dedicated or DreamCompute plan, on which they can install any MySQL software they like.
Are there any limitations?
When you create a database in the panel, it is added to a shared MySQL server by default. Due to the nature of shared hosting, some privileges are not available to manage your database. See this article for a list of available privileges.
How many databases can my account contain?
There is no limit to the amount of databases, but in general you will have one for each site that requires a database.
Is database encryption supported?
Database encryption is not provided by DreamHost. Please note that if you plan on creating a custom solution to encrypt your database and require root/sudo access to the database server, you would need to purchase a Dedicated Server or DreamCompute. Only on those plans would you have direct access to the database.
Is a private MySQL server available?
Yes. See the private MySQL overview article for further details.
Storage engines
The following storage engines are provided with all DreamHost-managed MySQL products.
| Engine | Support | Comment | Transactions | XA | Savepoints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSV | YES | CSV storage engine | NO | NO | NO |
| MRG_MYISAM | YES | Collection of identical MyISAM tables | NO | NO | NO |
| FEDERATED | NO | Federated MySQL storage engine | NULL | NULL | NULL |
| MyISAM | DEFAULT | Default engine as of MySQL 3.23 with great performance | NO | NO | NO |
| InnoDB | YES | Supports transactions, row-level locking, and foreign keys | YES | YES | YES |
| MEMORY | YES | Hash based, stored in memory, useful for temporary tables | NO | NO | NO |
Comparison of MySQL products
The following table lists the primary differences between shared, private, and dedicated MySQL options at DreamHost.
| Product | Description | Local/Networked | Suitable For Hosting Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared MySQL | A shared MySQL server that's included with Shared Hosting and Managed VPS hosting plans. | Networked | Suitable for most websites. |
| MySQL VPS | A private server that only runs MySQL software. | Networked | This is a high-performance MySQL server for customers who have outgrown shared MySQL. |
| Dedicated MySQL | A Dedicated web server runs a MySQL server locally along with the other web services. | Local | A Dedicated Server is ideal for software that sends large amounts of data between web applications and MySQL, as there is no network in between to limit throughput. |
See also
DreamHost links