How to Create a Database in MySQL

Creating First Database-tutorial

Now that you understand what a Database, Table, Rows, and Columns are it is time to actually create your first database.

Think of this as creating a folder on your computer where all your tables (files) will live.

What is a Database in SQL?

A database is a container that stores and organizes your data into tables.

Each database can have one or more tables and each table holds specific types of information (like Students, Products, Orders, etc.).

In SQL, before you store any data, you need to create a database to keep everything organized.

Creating a Database in MySQL

Step 1: Open MySQL

You can open MySQL in two ways:

Using MySQL Workbench (GUI) - a visual tool.

Using MySQL Command-Line Interface (CLI) - text-based terminal.

(Both methods do the same thing. Choose whichever you prefer.)

Step 2: Write the SQL Command

To create a database, use the simple SQL command:

CREATE DATABASE database_name;

Let us create one called SchoolDB

CREATE DATABASE SchoolDB;

Explanation

CREATE DATABASE - tells MySQL to make a new database.

SchoolDB - name of your database (you can choose any name, but avoid spaces and special characters).

Step 3: Check if the Database is Created

To see a list of all databases:

SHOW DATABASES;

Output

+--------------------+
| Database                  |
+--------------------+
| information_schema |
| mysql                        |
| performance_schema |
| SchoolDB                    |
+--------------------+

You can see SchoolDB is successfully created

Step 4: Select Your Database

Before you start creating tables or adding data, you need to select the database you want to work in.

USE SchoolDB;

This tells MySQL

Hey, i will be working inside this database from now on!

Now all your upcoming commands will affect SchoolDB

Two Minute Drill

CREATE DATABASE - Creates a new database

SHOW DATABASE - Lists all databases

USE database_name - Selects the database to work with

Database = Container that holds multiple tables

Every SQL Project starts by creating a database