How to Add Multiple Hosts in phpMyAdmin

Managing multiple databases can be a challenging task, especially when they are hosted on different servers. phpMyAdmin, a popular tool for handling MySQL over the web, provides a convenient way to manage multiple hosts. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to add multiple hosts in phpMyAdmin, simplifying your database management tasks.

Step 1: Understanding phpMyAdmin Configuration

Before you start, it’s important to understand that phpMyAdmin’s configuration is handled by a file named config.inc.php. This file resides in the root directory of your phpMyAdmin installation. If you haven’t modified this file before, it may be named config.sample.inc.php.

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Step 2: Accessing the Configuration File

To access the configuration file, you’ll need to navigate to your phpMyAdmin installation directory. Once there, locate config.inc.php or rename config.sample.inc.php to config.inc.php if you’re setting it up for the first time.

Step 3: Configuring Multiple Hosts

Open config.inc.php in a text editor. To add multiple hosts, you’ll need to define each host in the configuration array. Below is an example configuring additional host with exiting localhost:

$i = 0;

/* Default localhost */
$i++;
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['verbose'] = 'localhost';
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['host'] = 'localhost';
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['auth_type'] = 'cookie';
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['compress'] = false;
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['AllowNoPassword'] = false;

/* Second host */
$i++;
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['verbose'] = 'Database Server 2';
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['host'] = '192.168.1.100';
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['port'] = '';  # Keep emtry for default
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['auth_type'] = 'cookie';
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['connect_type'] = 'tcp';
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['compress'] = false;
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['AllowNoPassword'] = false;

You can add more hosts as much you required.

Step 4: Customizing Host Settings

You can customize settings for each host. For instance, you can specify a different port or socket, enable SSL, or set other MySQL-specific options. Refer to the phpMyAdmin documentation for a full list of options.

Step 5: Saving and Testing

After configuring the hosts, save the config.inc.php file. Open your phpMyAdmin in a web browser. You should now see a dropdown menu on the login page, allowing you to select from the configured hosts. Log in to each host to ensure your settings are correct.

Conclusion

Adding multiple hosts in phpMyAdmin is a straightforward process that can greatly simplify database management across different servers. By editing the config.inc.php file, you can efficiently manage several MySQL databases from a single phpMyAdmin interface. Remember to always backup your configuration file before making changes, and refer to the phpMyAdmin documentation for detailed configuration options.

Additional Tips:

• Keep your phpMyAdmin version updated for security and functionality.
• Use strong passwords for your database users.
• Consider using ‘cookie’ authentication for better security.

By following these steps, you can set up a multi-host phpMyAdmin environment that is efficient, secure, and tailored to your specific needs.