You’ve created a great Java web application and you’re finally ready to share it with the world. But before you jump right in with any old Java hosting plan, there are a few important questions you need to ask yourself.
For instance, do you plan on storing large amounts of data or collecting more data over time? Even if you don’t have a lot of data, do you want to keep what you have organized? If the answer is yes to either of these, you’re going to need to learn how to host a Java web application with MySQL first.
What Is MySQL?
MySQL is an open-source relational database system that was first launched in 1995. Relational databases have been a computer staple since the 1970s – before then, data was stored as long text files that were tedious and almost impossible to search through.
A relational database, on the other hand, stores data in tables made up of rows and columns and sorts it based on how it relates to similar data in the set. Depending on the specific application, they can be as small as ten tables or as large as several thousand.
Relational databases are written in SQL, which stands for “structured query language”. This standard language is used by MySQL and many other similar programs to find and add new data to a relational database system. Currently, MySQL is the most widely used database from within Java.
Why Is a MySQL Database So Important?
Have you ever wondered how huge sites like Amazon and eBay organize all of that information? They, like millions of other websites, use database software like MySQL to neatly sort and quickly find stored data. But it’s not just huge online retailers who rely on this software – any website can benefit from the increased organization and ease of use MySQL can provide.
Do you need to use database software like MySQL to launch your Java web application? No, but will it make your life a whole lot easier and save you heaps of time? Absolutely. When you’re well-organized from the very start, things tend to go much more smoothly.
A few other benefits of using MySQL as opposed to other database software for your Java hosting include:
- State-of-the-art security: MySQL’s reputation as the safest relational database currently in use makes it ideal for e-commerce sites that handle frequent online transactions and other sensitive data.
- High-quality performance: Built to handle the most demanding websites with the heaviest traffic, it’s not bogged down by high usage. Even when it’s used by traffic-heavy sites like Twitter and Facebook, MySQL maintains its lightning fast performance speeds.
- More uptime: MySQL guarantees 100% uptime so that you never have to worry about surprise software crashes.
- Easy maintenance: Because it’s open-source, the software is constantly being upgraded and debugged, which means less maintenance for you to worry about – all you have to worry about your Java site or web application.
- It’s used everywhere: MySQL’s popularity actually doubles as a benefit – because it’s an industry standard, it’s compatible with almost any operating system you can think of.
So now that you know a bit more about what MySQL is, we’ll look at how to host a Java web application with MySQL. Basically, it boils down to two options: you can either 1) set up your own dedicated server or VPS and install MySQL yourself, or 2) you can use a specialized Java hosting provider with MySQL support built in. Both have their own unique advantages, but the second option is generally far more popular than the other, and for good reason.
Option 1: Set Up Your Own Dedicated Server/VPS
One way you can host your Java application with MySQL is to build your own dedicated server or VPS. While this allows you to customize your server however you want and add whatever other features you want, the process is complex and time consuming.
While MySQL itself is free and open-source, self-hosting requires you to acquire and build your own physical server, which is incredibly costly, as well as requiring a certain amount of programming knowledge. For these reasons alone, it’s recommended that this type of Java hosting only be attempted by professionals.
The multi-step process may differ depending on the type of server you use, but these are the basic steps you would need to follow:
- Build your own dedicated server or set up a VPS online
- Install Apache Tomcat
- Install PHP
- Install the latest version of MySQL (versions are available for Windows, Linux, and Mac)
- Configure and test your MySQL installation
Option 2: Use a Specialized Java Hosting Provider
The easiest way to host a Java application with MySQL is to use a specialized hosting provider with built-in MySQL support. No lengthy tutorials to follow, no extraneous software to download – everything is already done for you. If you’re using Java with database support for an ecommerce application, this option gives you the most time to focus on your business. Even programming wizards prefer specialized Java hosting providers because they’re just so convenient.
The only hard part? Finding a hosting supporter that supports both Java and MySQL. But that doesn’t have to be difficult if you know where to look.
Start Hosting with MySQL Support Today
For both experienced web developers and new programmers alike, using a hosting provider that offers MySQL support is clearly the best option. Not only is it faster and much less of a headache, but it’s far more affordable than building your own server and far more secure than hosting on a free VPS.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy Java hosting provider that offers MySQL built-in with all of their hosting plans, you need JavaPipe. Our managed Java hosting with Apache Tomcat is unmatched in performance speed, support quality, security, and value. All of our hosting plans, from the most compact 5GB SSD storage plan to the most robust 20GBs, come with unlimited MySQL databases.
The bottom line? Take the stress out of hosting a Java web application and choose a provider that takes care of database support for you.
How to Host a Java Web Application with MySQL appeared on JavaPipe
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