Connect to MySQL Using Python

What do these words mean?

MySQL is a popular database system. A database is a store for information, like a filing cabinet.

Python is an easy programming language. A programming language is a way to give instructions to a computer.

A connector is a helper library. It lets Python and MySQL understand each other. It works like a translator.

Before you start

• You need Python 3 on your computer or server.
• You need a database, a database user and its password. Make them in your control panel.
• If you connect from outside the server, ask Hostvento support to allow your IP address (the number that names your internet connection).

Step 1: install the connector

Open a terminal and type:

pip install mysql-connector-python

This downloads and installs the MySQL connector for Python.

Step 2: write the program

1. Open a text editor.
2. Paste this code. Use your own details:

import mysql.connector

conn = mysql.connector.connect(
    host="localhost",
    user="your_user",
    password="your_password",
    database="your_database"
)

cursor = conn.cursor()
cursor.execute("SELECT VERSION()")
print(cursor.fetchone())

cursor.close()
conn.close()

3. Save the file as test_db.py.

The code does these jobs. It opens a connection with your login. It asks MySQL for its version number. It prints the answer. Then it closes the connection.

Step 3: run it

python test_db.py

This runs your program. If it works, you see the MySQL version. If you get an error, read the message. It tells you what is wrong.

Common errors

• Access denied: the user name or password is wrong, or the user has no rights on that database.
• Can't connect: the host is wrong, or remote access is not allowed.
• Unknown database: the database name has a typo.

Quick recap

• Install the connector with pip install mysql-connector-python.
• Use mysql.connector.connect with host, user, password and database.
• Run a small query to test, then close the connection.
• Check the host and rights if you see an error.