MySQL 8
The world's most popular open-source relational database.
What is it?
MySQL is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that stores all of your website's data in organised tables. Every WordPress post, page, user account, product, order, comment, and setting is stored in MySQL. It is the "memory" of your website — without the database, your website would have no content.
Why does your website need it?
Every dynamic website needs a database. MySQL is the default choice for web hosting because it is fast, reliable, well-supported, and free. MySQL 8 adds significant performance improvements, better JSON support (useful for modern applications), window functions for analytics, and improved security with stronger password hashing. Using MySQL 8 instead of older MySQL 5.7 improves complex query performance by up to 2× and adds features required by modern frameworks.
How does it work?
MySQL stores data in tables with rows and columns (like a spreadsheet). When your WordPress site loads, PHP sends SQL queries to MySQL: for example, "SELECT post_title, post_content FROM wp_posts WHERE ID = 5". MySQL finds the matching row and returns the data in milliseconds. Multiple tables are linked using foreign keys (e.g., comments linked to posts, orders linked to customers). MySQL uses indexes to find rows quickly without scanning the entire table, which keeps queries fast even with millions of rows.
MySQL 8 is included in every VillageHosting plan.
You don't need to configure or manage it. Our team sets it up for you.