> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://nodivas.gitbook.io/windus/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://nodivas.gitbook.io/windus/installation/database/mariadb-mysql.md).

# MariaDB / MySQL

If you don't have a server with MariaDB/MySQL installed, you can signup for one and create a new database. 

Below are some services offering database servers. 

* <https://www.digitalocean.com/products/managed-databases-mysql>
* <https://www.vultr.com/>

If you already have a server with MariaDB/MySQL, or created a new one, you can create a new database and copy credentials.&#x20;

Then copied credentials must be pasted in corresponding fields, in /api/.env file.

As the second step, SQL file must be imported into your database server.&#x20;

In order to do this, you will need either phpMyAdmin or a desktop SQL client.&#x20;

* <https://tableplus.com/>
* <https://www.pgadmin.org/>
* <https://www.heidisql.com/>

After you connect to your database using your SQL GUI, choose your database and then choose 'import'.&#x20;

Locate /install/database/mysql.sql file and click import.&#x20;

To verify if import was successful, you may check SQL GUI, database > tables section.

If you are familiar with Command Line, you can also import your SQL file using command below&#x20;

`mysql -u USERNAME -p < /path/to/install/database/mysql.sql`