mysql - what is difference between localhost and server name

[jamie]

hi,

can anyone please explain what the difference is between localhost and servername, e.g. when i connect via ssh to my server

mysql -h localhost -u root -p

i then enter my normal password and it allows me in to mysql

but when i do

mysql -h myservername.net -u root -p

it won't allow me to connect with any password.

yet when i look at user root on Host myservername.net in phpMyAdmin it says Password No, but of course this user has privileges on all databases. is this a security risk? should i set a password for this user, and should (must) it be the same as the password for localhost?

many thanks

[Xuefer]

for *nix
localhost use AF_UNIX (/tmp/mysql.sock)
domain use AF_INET (ip)

[jamie]

sorry xuefer, but you've lost me there. i'm a beginner ;-)

[Allen]

I believe he's saying: It's slightly faster to use localhost if the mysql server is on the same machine, because the machine doesn't bother doing any domain name lookups or going through the TCP/IP protocol.

Allen

[jamie]

hi allen,

it is not quite what i was after, but still good to know.

i think i have answered my own question anyway. i only need to use the servername.net if i connect from another machine

i have also just set a password, so i think the security issues are solved too.

cheers

[Allen]

Gah, it's just like all my IT exams I took, I answer the question but it's not the answer they want o_O

Allen