phpMyAdmin is a browser interface for viewing and editing your databases directly.
OPENING IT
cPanel > phpMyAdmin under Databases. It opens already logged in, with your databases listed on the left.
COMMON TASKS
- Browsing data: click a database, click a table, then Browse. Use Search to find specific rows.
- Editing a value: click Edit on a row, change the value, click Go.
- Running SQL: the SQL tab executes queries. Always test a SELECT before running an UPDATE or DELETE.
- Exporting: select the database, click Export, Quick, Go, and a .sql file downloads.
- Repairing a table: tick the table, then choose "Repair table" from the dropdown at the bottom.
WORKING SAFELY
Export the database before making any change. There is no undo in phpMyAdmin. Never edit the same database while the site is receiving traffic if you can avoid it. Do not drop tables unless you are certain what uses them. Use the correct database. Accounts with several sites have several similarly named databases, and the prefix makes them look alike.
If you are unsure which database belongs to a site, open its configuration file, such as wp-config.php, and read the database name from there.
