How can I connect PHP to MySQL databases?

Connecting PHP to MySQL databases involves several steps. Follow this guide for a seamless connection:

1. MySQL Database Setup:

   Ensure you have a MySQL database created with the necessary tables and data. Note down the database name, host, username, and password for later use in your PHP script.

2. PHP MySQLi Extension:

   Use the MySQLi (MySQL Improved) extension in PHP for modern database interactions. This extension provides enhanced features and security. Ensure it is enabled in your PHP environment.

3. Establishing Connection:

   Use the `mysqli_connect` function in PHP to establish a connection to the MySQL database. Provide the database host, username, password, and database name as parameters.

   
       $conn = mysqli_connect("localhost", "username", "password", "database_name");
       if (!$conn) {
           die("Connection failed: " . mysqli_connect_error());
       }
       

4. Selecting Database:

   If not specified in the connection, select the MySQL database using the `mysqli_select_db` function:

   
       mysqli_select_db($conn, "database_name");
       

5. Executing Queries:

   Execute SQL queries using the `mysqli_query` function. Fetch results using `mysqli_fetch_assoc`, `mysqli_fetch_array`, or other similar functions.

   
       $result = mysqli_query($conn, "SELECT * FROM your_table");
       while ($row = mysqli_fetch_assoc($result)) {
           // Process each row
       }
       

6. Closing Connection:

   Close the database connection using the `mysqli_close` function when finished:

   
       mysqli_close($conn);
       

Connecting PHP to MySQL databases is essential for dynamic web applications. By following these steps and using the MySQLi extension, you can seamlessly interact with your MySQL database, execute queries, and retrieve or manipulate data within your PHP scripts.