Which Database Does WordPress Use?

Introduction to the WordPress database

WordPress uses MySQL to store posts, pages, user accounts, settings, and comments. It can also run on MariaDB, which works with WordPress in much the same way. If you search “wordpress which database,” MySQL is the short answer.

The database is separate from your theme and plugin files. WordPress reads database records to build pages, then loads related files such as images from the site’s uploads folder. This is how WordPress database works in day-to-day use.

People often ask where the WordPress database is stored or located. It usually sits on a database server managed by your web host, not as a file beside your theme. The host controls its location, while wp-config.php holds the details WordPress needs to connect.

Pages are stored as records in the wp_posts table, not as separate page files. Images are usually stored as files in wp-content/uploads; their details and attachment records also appear in the database. So, where are images stored in the WordPress database? Their files are not usually stored there.

WordPress database management

MySQL is the database management system that handles WordPress data. The WordPress requirements page lists supported versions and can change over time. Check the current WordPress hosting requirements before choosing a host or changing database software.

For a new site, your host may create a database during setup. If not, open its database tool and create a database, then add a database user. Grant that user access to the database and keep the name, username, password, and server address safe.

This covers how to create a database for WordPress and how to create a MySQL database for WordPress. The steps vary by host, so use its control panel instructions. A server address may be a host name rather than localhost.

To find the WordPress database name, open wp-config.php and check the DB_NAME value. That value answers “what is my WordPress database name?” and shows the name of the database for WordPress. A host may add an account prefix to the name.

The same file lists DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, and DB_HOST. These settings must match the values from your host. See the WordPress wp-config.php reference for details, and never post these secrets in a public forum.

Key tables in a WordPress database

WordPress divides data among tables. Most sites use the default wp_ prefix, but the prefix can differ. Check the actual table names in your database tool before making changes.

These four tables hold much of the core site data. Knowing their roles helps you track down records and avoid risky edits.

• wp_posts: Stores posts, pages, drafts, revisions, and many custom content types.
• wp_users: Holds user account details, such as login names and email addresses.
• wp_options: Stores site settings and data saved by many plugins.
• wp_comments: Holds comments and details that link them to posts.

Related tables store categories, tags, and extra user details. Plugins may also add their own tables. Before removing a table, find out which feature or plugin uses it.

Where are pages stored in the WordPress database? They are rows in wp_posts, with a page type value. Where are pages stored in WordPress files? Their content is not held as standalone page files; the theme files control how pages look.

Common database operations

Use WordPress functions for routine data work. They help keep records in the right format and are safer than direct SQL queries for common tasks.

• wp_insert_post() creates a post or page from supplied fields.
• get_posts() finds posts that match the filters you set.
• update_option() saves a site setting in the options table.

To fetch data from a database in a WordPress plugin, a developer can use get_posts() or a suitable WordPress query. A theme can use the same approach to show results on a page. Set a result limit and request only the fields the page needs.

For custom records, a plugin can create a searchable database in WordPress by storing well-structured entries and adding a search form. A WordPress query or a safe prepared SQL query can then match user terms. Sanitize input, check permissions, and avoid placing raw input into a query.

If WordPress reports “could not insert post into the database,” check the function’s return value first. wp_insert_post() can return an error object that helps explain the failure. Also check database access, available disk space, and plugin conflicts.

Back up and restore the database

A database backup can save posts, pages, settings, and user data after an error or failed update. Back up the site files too, since database copies do not include uploaded image files, themes, or plugins.

To learn how to back up a WordPress database, use your host’s backup tool or export the database with a tool such as phpMyAdmin. Save the backup outside the site’s public folder. Keep more than one recent copy, especially before updates or major edits.

A useful backup must be restorable. Test a restore on a staging site when possible, and confirm that pages, users, and key settings appear. The WordPress backup guide explains the role of both database and file copies.

Before a restore, note that it can replace newer records with older ones. Make a fresh copy first, then restore the matching database and site files. Ask your host for help if you cannot confirm which backup is safe.

Troubleshooting database issues

If you see “Error establishing a database connection” or “can’t select database,” start with the values in wp-config.php. Compare DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, and DB_HOST with your host’s current settings. One wrong character can block access.

The phrase “wordpress can’t select database” often points to a missing database, wrong name, or user without permission. Confirm that the database exists and that its user can access it. If the details look right, ask your host whether the database server is down.

To repair a WordPress database, first take a backup. Your host may offer a repair tool, or WordPress may support its built-in repair mode when enabled in wp-config.php. Remove the repair setting when finished, since leaving it active is unsafe.

If you wonder how to repair WordPress after database trouble, check recent changes, restore a known-good backup, or seek help from your host. Do not delete tables or run unfamiliar SQL commands as a first step. Keep a record of error messages and the time they began.