Step 1: Accessing phpMyAdmin
Assuming you are already logged in to phpMyAdmin, the main screen is divided into two sections.
Step 2: Understanding the Left Section
In the left blue section, you can find a list of databases that you have access to. Each database contains one or more tables where data is stored. Below the database list, you will see the tables within those databases.
Step 3: Exploring Database Actions
- If you click on a database name on the left, the right-hand section will display information about the tables within that database. You can also perform various actions on these tables.
Step 4: Table Actions
In the "Action" section, you can perform several actions on individual tables. These actions include:
- Browsing a table to view its records.
- Viewing the structure of a table.
- Searching for specific keywords within a table.
- Inserting new rows or fields into the table.
- Deleting the contents of a table.
- Deleting an entire table entirely with the big red X icon.
Step 5: Top Navigation Links
At the top of the window, there is a list of action links you can use:
- "Structure" allows you to view the structure of the database.
- "SQL" opens a SQL Query window for entering direct queries to the database.
- "Search" enables you to perform a search.
- "Query" also opens an SQL Query window but provides a step-by-step approach to making queries.
- "Export" lets you export databases to your local computer.
- "Import" imports previously exported databases.
- "Operations" offers various other operations, such as creating new tables or copying and renaming databases.
Step 6: Table Structure
If you return to the blue section and click on a table name, the right section will display the structure of the selected table. It lists all the table fields, their data types, attributes, and other properties. You can also see which field is the Primary Key. The action links at the top of the screen are the same as those in the database view.
Step 7: Additional Navigation
Below the phpMyAdmin name in the blue section, you will find a row of icons. These icons serve various purposes:
- The Documentation icon (a box with "SQL" inside) offers help with SQL.
- The question mark icon provides assistance with using phpMyAdmin.
- The red SQL icon is another way to open the SQL Query window.
- The Exit and arrow icon allows you to log out of phpMyAdmin.
- The house icon returns you to the main screen.
This concludes the tutorial, and you should now have a better understanding of phpMyAdmin and its capabilities. If you need more detailed instructions for specific actions, consider exploring the other tutorials in this series.
