Database Management

When you create a database using the web hosting control panel that you are provided with access to when you purchase your web hosting package, you will want to make sure that there are different ways in which you can manage the database that you have created and its contents. Depending on the database system that you will be using on your web hosting package, there are many different forms of database management that will allow you to manage any databases you create as well as their contents with ease. Web hosting providers normally provide at least one method of database management that you can use to manage your databases with ease, although desktop database management is only normally possible if you purchase a commercial program fit for the purpose.

Database management is an important administration task to carry out on a regular basis if you are running a large website since databases can easily become full of records which aren’t needed, thus meaning that they are taking up unnecessary storage space in your web hosting account. Database management provides you with a way in which you can manage the contents of your databases to ensure that they are able to function fast and efficiently. Because of the different forms of database management there are, you need to be able to identify the one type that will suit your needs.

The three main types of database management are either desktop based in which you use a separate program that you need to install locally on your computer, web based in which you use a web based database control panel or website based in which you use your own web based application to manage the contents if your database. Some database systems are desktop based, such as Microsoft Access, meaning that a desktop application is needed to ensure that you are able to create them in the first place let alone manage them. Most web hosting providers provide access to a web hosting control panel that allows you to manage your SQL databases in one way or another; an example of this would be the PHPMyAdmin database management system for MySQL databases and ASP.NET Enterprise Manager for Microsoft SQL server databases. In the case that you only want to manage the contents of one database, then you can probably develop your own system that can integrate with your websites existing administration area; this could allow others as well as yourself to manage the database if a familiar GUI was used.

If you are unsure on how to manage your database effectively, then you will probably be better off using the database management application that is provided with the control panel that you have been provided with access to so that you can manage your web hosting account. The main reason for this is because database management applications that are provided with control panels tend to be easier to use meaning that if you are unable to use a more complex desktop application, you can still use the control panel’s database management system.

Desktop applications are also available for the management of MySQL databases and Microsoft SQL Server databases. Microsoft provides a free tool for the destkop management of Microsoft SQL Server databases and is known as Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio. MSSMS is a free tool which can only be run on computer that use the Windows operating system, although it allows much more in depth database management than a majority of web based solutions. Premium solutions such as SQLYog are available for the desktop management of MySQL databases.

In conclusion, database management is important to ensure that you keep the contents of your database moderated as to ensure that it doesn’t take up too much disk space. Using either desktop or web based database management tools, you are able to ensure that your database doesn’t contain any unnessary data.