In part 4 of this series related to cheap web hosting i will explain more about databases. What are databases used for and how many do you actually need with your cheap web hosting account?

What Is A Database?

A database is used to store information related to your website or the accounts created by the members on your website. Your website will be coded to access the database when a set of information is required such as passwords, usernames and email addresses that are used for members. It has tables for each set of commands and will store specific information within each table for quick access. The most popular database type would be called MYSQL. This is a standard and also offer a management feature which allows you to access the tables, edit the tables and export the whole database to backup your information.

When Are Databases Required?

If you have a membership website then this would require 1 database. When you install a blog, forum or shopping cart, a database is created which would store the actual posts, messages, member details and website settings. This allows quick access to the requirements of the website and will command the database to display certain sections of the database on your website such as a blog post or forum thread.

How Many Do You Need?

A business would not require more than 10 databases, this would allow you to have a membership website, blog, forum, photo gallery, shopping cart and live chat feature. You dont need much more than that and many cheap web hosting providers will offer you hundreds with each account which is not really required.

At least now you know how many databases you will need. Most hosting providers will give you more than you will use but its nice to have them just in case.