To connect a PHP framework to MySQL, first set up the database with tools like phpMyAdmin or the command line by creating a database and user with proper privileges. Next, update the framework’s configuration file—like .env in Laravel, database.php in CodeIgniter, or doctrine.yaml in Symfony—with the correct host, database name, username, password, and port. Then test the connection using built-in commands such as php artisan migrate in Laravel or a simple query in CodeIgniter. Finally, use ORMs or query builders like Eloquent, Doctrine, or CodeIgniter’s own builder to interact with the database safely and efficiently instead of writing raw SQL.

Connecting a PHP framework to a MySQL database is a common task when building web applications. Whether you're using Laravel, Symfony, CodeIgniter, or another PHP framework, the general approach is pretty similar — it’s just a matter of where and how you set things up.

Here’s how to do it without overcomplicating things.

Set Up Your Database First

Before connecting your framework, make sure your MySQL database is ready. You can use tools like phpMyAdmin, MySQL Workbench, or just the command line.

• Create a database:

  

  CREATE DATABASE my_app;

• Create a user and grant access (optional but recommended):

  CREATE USER 'app_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'securepassword';
  GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON my_app.* TO 'app_user'@'localhost';
  FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

Once that’s done, you’re good to move on to configuring your framework.

Update the Database Configuration File

Most PHP frameworks have a configuration file specifically for database settings. The exact name and location vary by framework:

• Laravel: .env and config/database.php
• CodeIgniter: application/config/database.php
• Symfony: .env or config/packages/doctrine.yaml

You’ll typically need to provide:

• Host (usually localhost)
• Database name
• Username
• Password
• Port (often optional, defaults to 3306)

For example, in Laravel's .env file:

DB_CONNECTION=mysql
DB_HOST=localhost
DB_PORT=3306
DB_DATABASE=my_app
DB_USERNAME=app_user
DB_PASSWORD=securepassword

Make sure there are no typos — especially in the username and password fields. A single mistake here will cause connection errors.

Test the Connection

Most frameworks come with a way to test if the database is connected properly.

In Laravel, you can run:

php artisan migrate

If the tables start creating, you’re connected.

In CodeIgniter, create a simple controller method:

public function test_db() {
    $query = $this->db->query('SELECT 1');
    echo "Connected!";
}

If you get an error, double-check:

• Your credentials in the config file
• Whether MySQL is running
• If the user has correct permissions

Sometimes restarting Apache or PHP-FPM helps too.

Use ORM or Query Builder When Possible

Once connected, don’t write raw SQL unless you really need to. Most modern PHP frameworks include ORMs or query builders that help prevent SQL injection and make development easier.

Examples:

• Laravel uses Eloquent ORM
• Symfony works well with Doctrine
• CodeIgniter has its own query builder

They abstract away most of the low-level stuff and let you focus on logic instead of connection strings.

That’s basically all. It’s not complicated once you know where to change the settings, but it’s easy to miss a small detail like a typo in the .env file or incorrect user permissions. Just go step by step and test early.

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