View MariaDB Databases over SSH

What are MariaDB and SSH?

MariaDB is a database program. It works almost like MySQL, and many servers use it. A database is a store for your website's information, kept in tables.

SSH is a safe way to type commands on your server from your own computer. You need SSH access on your plan. On a VPS or dedicated server you usually have it. Ask Hostvento support if you are not sure.

Step 1: Connect with SSH

1. Open a terminal on Mac or Linux. On Windows, use PowerShell or a tool like PuTTY.
2. Type the command with your own details:

ssh username@your-server-address

Your username and server address are in your welcome email. Enter your password when asked.

Step 2: Log in to MariaDB

mysql -u your_user -p

The mysql command also works for MariaDB. The -u option sets the user and -p asks for the password. On a VPS with root access you can use mysql -u root -p.

When you see the prompt MariaDB [(none)]>, you are in.

Step 3: List the databases

SHOW DATABASES;

This prints every database your user may see. Always end commands with a semicolon.

Step 4: Pick a database and list its tables

USE dbname;
SHOW TABLES;

The first line selects the database. The second lists its tables. Replace dbname with a name from the list.

Step 5: Look inside a table

DESCRIBE tablename;
SELECT * FROM tablename LIMIT 5;

The first line shows the columns of the table. The second shows the first five rows.

Useful extras

• Check the size of each database:

SELECT table_schema, ROUND(SUM(data_length + index_length)/1024/1024, 2) AS size_mb FROM information_schema.tables GROUP BY table_schema;

This prints each database name and its size in megabytes.

• See the MariaDB version with SELECT VERSION();.

  

• Leave MariaDB by typing EXIT;.

Quick one-line version

mysql -u your_user -p -e "SHOW DATABASES;"

This runs one command and then returns you to the normal prompt.

Quick recap

• Connect with SSH, then run mysql -u user -p.
• SHOW DATABASES; lists the databases.
• USE dbname; and SHOW TABLES; list the tables.
• DESCRIBE and SELECT show table details.

  

• Leave with EXIT;.