Database files hidden

[nuwanda]

Hi

Just getting started with database driven sites.

To use a database with my host I need to create it using Plesk and administer it via phpMyAdmin. The data file itself is hidden from my directory structure. I assume it's in a separate data store on the server for security purposes.

I would have expected to have the data files in my directory structure but this isn't so. I still have full control over the database and as far as I can tell it's just like accessing something on my own machine, control-wise that is.

Is this normal practice for a hosting service?

Ross

[coopster]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld, nuwanda.

Yes, it usually is. The MySQL files are stored in a directory and I'm certain your host has decided to make certain that you don't have direct access to that directory. The structure probably looks something like this ...

- mysql 
+ bin 
- data 
 + site1database 
 + site2database 
 - site3database 
  site3table1.frm 
  site3table1.MYD 
  site3table1.MYI 
  site3table2.frm 
  site3table2.MYD 
  site3table2.MYI 
 + site4database 
 + site5database 
... 

... where the /mysql/data directory is the one you describe. Your web server is then configured to find it, but you won't have direct access to it, only the MySQL interfaces granted to you by your host which includes phpMyAdmin and may also include a command line interface (never hurts to ask).

[nuwanda]

Thanks, Coopster.