Managing Databases and Database Users in Plesk

Efficiently managing your databases and their associated users is a crucial task for any website administrator. Plesk provides a robust and intuitive interface for handling these essential functions, allowing you to maintain full control over your data infrastructure. This article will guide you through the process of creating, deleting, and modifying databases, as well as managing database users and their privileges within the Plesk control panel.

Creating a Database in Plesk

Setting up a new database is a straightforward process within Plesk. Follow these detailed steps to create a new database and optionally, a new user for it.

1. Log in to Plesk.

Ensure you are logged into your Plesk account to access all database management features.

In the left sidebar, navigate to and click Databases. This action will open the main Databases management page. On the Databases page, click the Add Database button. This will display the Add a Database configuration page, where you can specify the details for your new database. In the Database name text box, enter your desired name for the new database. Choose a name that is descriptive and easy to identify. From the Related site list box, choose a specific website to associate with this new database. You may also accept the default selection if it is suitable for your setup. Under the Users section, check the Create a database user box if you wish to set up a dedicated user simultaneously with the database.

A database user can be created later if you choose not to do so during the initial database setup. This offers flexibility in your database management workflow.

In the Database user name text box, specify the username for the new database user. This will be the credential used to access the database. Enter a strong password for the database user in both the New password and Confirm password text boxes.

For enhanced security and to ensure a complex password, consider using the Generate button. Plesk will automatically create a random, strong password for you.

Click OK to finalize the creation process. Plesk will then create the new database with the specified settings and, if chosen, the associated user.

Deleting a Database in Plesk

When a database is no longer needed, you can easily remove it from Plesk. Exercise caution when performing this action, as it is irreversible.

1. Log in to Plesk.

Access your Plesk account to proceed with database deletion. Ensure you have the necessary permissions.

In the left sidebar, click Databases to open the Databases management page, which lists all your existing databases. Locate the database you wish to remove. In the section corresponding to that database, click the Remove Database option. A confirmation prompt will appear, asking you to verify the deletion. Click Yes to confirm. Plesk will then permanently delete the database and all its contents.

Adding a Database User in Plesk

If you created a database without an associated user, or if you need to add another user, Plesk allows you to do so easily.

1. Log in to Plesk.

Ensure you are logged into your Plesk account to manage database users effectively.

From the left sidebar, click Databases to navigate to the database management interface. On the Databases page, click User Management. This will display the Database Users page, listing existing users. Click the Add Database User button to open the Adding Database User configuration page. In the Database user name text box, enter the desired username for the new database user. Provide a strong password for the database user in the New password and Confirm password fields.

For optimal security, utilize the Generate option to create a complex, random password that is difficult to guess.

From the Database list box, select the specific database to which this new user will be assigned, or leave the default selection if appropriate. Click OK to complete the process. Plesk will then create and assign the new user to the selected database, making them ready for use.

Managing Database User Privileges

Plesk allows you to fine-tune the permissions and settings for each database user, ensuring appropriate access levels.

1. Log in to Plesk.

Access your Plesk account to modify database user privileges and roles.

In the left sidebar, click Databases to view your database configurations. Click User Management to access the list of all database users configured within your Plesk environment. Select the name of the specific database user whose privileges or settings you wish to modify. This will open their user profile. To update the user's password, enter the new password in both the New password and Confirm password fields.

Consider using the Generate function to create a new, secure, and random password for the user, enhancing security.

To reassign the user to a different database, select the desired database from the Database list box. To adjust the user's access level or permissions for the selected database, choose an appropriate role from the Role list box. Options typically include Read, Write, or full administrative access. Click OK to save your changes. Plesk will then apply the updated privileges and settings to the database user.

By following these guidelines, you can efficiently manage your databases and their users within Plesk, ensuring secure and organized data handling for your web applications.