MySQL
MySQL is a relational database management system that runs as a server providing multi-user access to a number of databases. Various types of databases are offered at NJIT for personal, departmental, research, and other purposes. These databases support a number of APIs, servlet applications, and security protocols.
Who may have access to MySQL?
Students, faculty, and staff can create a MySQL account. Other types of databases that may be requested via the IST Service Desk as follows:
- Departmental (dept): Reserved for departmental uses and may be requested by NJIT faculty or staff only.
- Research (rsrch): Research databases may be requested by an NJIT faculty or staff sponsor on behalf of a student or student group. A research database should be requested when research is expected to containue after the original team graduates from NJIT.
- Club (club): Linked to the club home directory. Requests for club databases must come from the faculty advisor to the club.
- Project (proj): Project databases will no longer be provided. Previously allocated project database will be kept while the owner is at NJIT.
MySQL Password
If you have forgotten or otherwise need to reset your database password(s), click here.
Supported APIs
The following APIs are currently available: PHP, Perl, Mysql, Net:NySQL, JDBC
JSP and Servlets
University Computing Systems now runs a public Tomcat server. For more information, please visit the Tomcat information page.
Security
Information on securing your MySQL database can be found on the AFS permissions page.
Samples
MySQL Utilities
Graphical and command line tools for managing your database:
- Point your web browser at: phpMyAdmin
- Select your assigned MySQL server from the "Server Choice" menu of the phpMyAdmin login page.
- Select your database from the "Databases" in the left frame after you log in.
- If you prefer a command line interface, /usr/local/bin/mysql is available on afsconnect[12].njit.edu. After connecting to afsconnect[12].njit.edu via ssh or telnet type the following command to connect: mysql -u <mysql username> -p -h <hostname (sql.njit.edu or sql2.njit.edu)> <database name>. You will be prompted for your password. Use the password that was given to you in email confirmation you received after the database was created.
- Visit https://ist.njit.edu/password-resets/ to change your MySQL password
- Using a .my.cnf file. MySQL allows you to store connection parameters in an option file. The .my.cnf file, when properly configured, eliminates the need of having specify parameters on the command line.
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Here is a sample of a very simple .my.cnf file:
[client]user = your_ucidpassword = your_passwordhost = sql.njit.eduport = 3306
WARNING: Since your home directory is located in AFS at NJIT, it is very important that you understand AFS permissions. For your convenience, a sample ~/.my.cnf file has been created for you and correct AFS permissions have been applied. However, before making any changes to your .my.cnf file, it is important and cannot be stressed enough that you understand AFS permissions.
Debugging PHP
If you're starting to use MySQL and PHP for the first time it sometimes seems like something is wrong with the servers. In our experience 99% of the time the problem is hiding in your code. Please attempt the following before you complain about the server; you'll be rewarded by solving the problem faster.
- Turn on the PHP error reporting function.
- Run your program with command line php to solve browser-related problems.
- You might also take advantage of your instructor's office hours for assistance with debugging your program.
ARCS cannot help students debug homework assignments, we may only verify that the systems hosting your homework are functioning.