Database Access

PHP MySQLi Connect

Connecting to MySQL with MySQLi

PHP MySQLi connects to databases, using prepared statements.

Introduction to PHP MySQLi

The MySQLi extension, or MySQL Improved, is a relational database driver used in PHP to provide an interface with MySQL databases. It supports both the procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms and is an enhanced version of its predecessor, the MySQL extension. MySQLi offers several advantages, including support for prepared statements, which help prevent SQL injection attacks.

Setting Up a MySQL Database

Before connecting to a MySQL database using PHP's MySQLi extension, ensure you have a MySQL database ready. Typically, you would use phpMyAdmin or command-line tools to create a database and user. Here’s how you can create a database:

Create a database: CREATE DATABASE exampleDB;
Create a user and grant privileges: GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON exampleDB.* TO 'username'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';

Connecting to a MySQL Database Using MySQLi

Now that you have a database and user set up, you can connect to the database using PHP MySQLi. Below is an example of how to make a connection using procedural style:

Using Object-Oriented Style

PHP MySQLi also allows for an object-oriented approach to database connections. The following example demonstrates how to use this method:

Understanding Prepared Statements

Prepared statements are a crucial feature of MySQLi that enhance security and performance. They ensure that SQL queries are executed safely by separating SQL logic from data input, mitigating SQL injection risks. Here is a simple example of a prepared statement in MySQLi:

Database Access

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