Manual:Database setup
- Manual:Database setup
This article provides a comprehensive guide to setting up a database for MediaWiki, geared towards beginners. A database is essential for MediaWiki to function, storing all the content, user information, and configuration settings. This guide will cover the prerequisites, the database types supported, the creation of a database, and configuring MediaWiki to connect to it. It assumes a basic understanding of server access and command-line interfaces.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, you'll need the following:
- **Server Access:** Access to a server running a supported operating system (Linux, Windows, macOS). This access should include the ability to install software and manage services.
- **Database Software:** A database server installed and running. The most common choices are MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. We'll detail these choices below.
- **PHP:** PHP 7.4 or higher installed and configured on your server. MediaWiki requires PHP to process the code and interact with the database. Ensure the necessary PHP extensions for database connectivity are enabled (see the section on PHP extensions).
- **MediaWiki Software:** The MediaWiki software downloaded and ready for installation. You can download the latest version from [1].
- **Basic Command-Line Knowledge:** Familiarity with using a command-line interface (terminal) to execute commands.
- **Understanding of Database Concepts:** A rudimentary understanding of databases, tables, and SQL (Structured Query Language) will be helpful, though not strictly required for basic setup.
Supported Database Types
MediaWiki supports several database management systems. Here's a breakdown of the most common options:
- **MySQL/MariaDB:** This is the most widely used database for MediaWiki due to its performance, reliability, and ease of use. MariaDB is a community-developed fork of MySQL and is often preferred due to its open-source nature and continued development. It's a good choice for most installations, especially larger wikis. Consider using [2] for enhanced performance and features.
- **PostgreSQL:** A powerful, object-relational database system known for its standards compliance and advanced features. PostgreSQL is an excellent choice for large, complex wikis and those requiring high data integrity. It offers robust features like transactions and complex queries.
- **SQLite:** A file-based database system that doesn't require a separate server process. SQLite is ideal for small, single-user wikis or for testing and development. It’s simple to set up and requires minimal configuration. However, it's not recommended for high-traffic wikis due to performance limitations. [3] provides a quick start guide.
- **SQL Server:** Microsoft's relational database system. While supported, it's less common for MediaWiki installations and may require more complex configuration.
Creating the Database
The process of creating the database varies depending on the database system you've chosen. Here are instructions for each:
MySQL/MariaDB:
1. Log in to your MySQL/MariaDB server using the command line: `mysql -u root -p` (you'll be prompted for the root password). 2. Create a new database: `CREATE DATABASE wikidb CHARACTER SET utf8mb4 COLLATE utf8mb4_unicode_ci;` (replace `wikidb` with your desired database name). Using `utf8mb4` is crucial for supporting a wide range of characters. 3. Create a user for MediaWiki: `CREATE USER 'wikiuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'your_password';` (replace `wikiuser` with your desired username and `your_password` with a strong password). 4. Grant privileges to the user: `GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON wikidb.* TO 'wikiuser'@'localhost';` 5. Flush privileges: `FLUSH PRIVILEGES;` 6. Exit the MySQL/MariaDB shell: `exit`
PostgreSQL:
1. Log in to your PostgreSQL server using the command line: `sudo -u postgres psql` 2. Create a new database: `CREATE DATABASE wikidb WITH ENCODING 'UTF8';` (replace `wikidb` with your desired database name). 3. Create a user for MediaWiki: `CREATE USER wikiuser WITH PASSWORD 'your_password';` (replace `wikiuser` with your desired username and `your_password` with a strong password). 4. Grant privileges to the user: `GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON DATABASE wikidb TO wikiuser;` 5. Exit the PostgreSQL shell: `\q`
SQLite:
SQLite doesn’t require a separate server process. Creating the database simply involves ensuring the file exists. MediaWiki will create the database file automatically when configured to use SQLite. You’ll need to ensure the web server has write permissions to the directory where the SQLite file will be created.
Configuring MediaWiki to Connect to the Database
Once the database is created, you need to configure MediaWiki to connect to it. This is done by editing the `LocalSettings.php` file. This file is located in the root directory of your MediaWiki installation.
1. **Open `LocalSettings.php`:** Use a text editor to open the `LocalSettings.php` file.
2. **Locate the Database Configuration Section:** The file contains a section with commented-out database configuration settings. Uncomment these lines and modify them according to your database type and credentials.
3. **Configure for MySQL/MariaDB:**
```php $wgDBtype = 'mysqli'; $wgDBserver = 'localhost'; $wgDBname = 'wikidb'; $wgDBuser = 'wikiuser'; $wgDBpassword = 'your_password'; $wgDBport = 3306; //Optional, default is 3306 $wgDBflags = 'CLIENT_FOUND_ROWS'; ```
4. **Configure for PostgreSQL:**
```php $wgDBtype = 'pgsql'; $wgDBserver = 'localhost'; $wgDBname = 'wikidb'; $wgDBuser = 'wikiuser'; $wgDBpassword = 'your_password'; $wgDBport = 5432; //Optional, default is 5432 ```
5. **Configure for SQLite:**
```php $wgDBtype = 'sqlite'; $wgDBserver = '/path/to/your/wikidb.sqlite'; // Replace with the full path to the SQLite file ```
6. **Save the `LocalSettings.php` file.**
7. **PHP Extensions:** Ensure the necessary PHP extensions are enabled. For MySQL/MariaDB, you'll need `mysqli`. For PostgreSQL, you'll need `pdo_pgsql`. For SQLite, you'll need `pdo_sqlite`. You can check which extensions are enabled using `php -m` in the command line. If an extension is missing, you'll need to install it and configure your PHP installation to load it. This is often done by uncommenting a line in your `php.ini` file (e.g., `extension=mysqli`). [4] provides information on installing the MySQLi extension.
Troubleshooting Database Connection Issues
If MediaWiki fails to connect to the database, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
- **Check Database Credentials:** Double-check that the database name, username, and password in `LocalSettings.php` are correct.
- **Verify Database Server is Running:** Ensure your database server (MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL) is running.
- **Firewall Issues:** Make sure your firewall allows connections to the database server on the appropriate port (3306 for MySQL/MariaDB, 5432 for PostgreSQL).
- **PHP Extensions:** Verify that the required PHP extension (mysqli, pdo_pgsql, pdo_sqlite) is enabled.
- **Permissions:** Ensure the MediaWiki user has the necessary permissions to access the database.
- **Error Logs:** Check the MediaWiki error logs (usually located in the `errors` directory within your MediaWiki installation) for more detailed error messages.
- **Database Character Set:** Ensure the database is created with a compatible character set (UTF-8 or UTF8MB4) to support a wide range of characters.
- **Host Restriction:** If you are connecting from a different host than localhost, make sure you have configured the database user to allow connections from that host. For example, instead of `'wikiuser'@'localhost'`, you might need `'wikiuser'@'%'` (allowing connections from any host – use with caution) or `'wikiuser'@'your_server_ip'`.
Database Maintenance
Regular database maintenance is crucial for optimal performance. This includes:
- **Backups:** Regularly back up your database to prevent data loss. Tools like `mysqldump` (for MySQL/MariaDB) and `pg_dump` (for PostgreSQL) can be used to create backups.
- **Optimization:** Periodically optimize the database tables to improve query performance. MySQL/MariaDB has the `OPTIMIZE TABLE` command. PostgreSQL uses `VACUUM` and `ANALYZE`.
- **Indexing:** Ensure appropriate indexes are created on frequently queried columns to speed up data retrieval. [5] provides information on MySQL indexing best practices.
- **Database Updates:** Keep your database software up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes.
Advanced Considerations
- **Database Replication:** For high-availability and scalability, consider setting up database replication.
- **Database Clustering:** For very large wikis, database clustering can provide even greater scalability and performance.
- **Caching:** Implement caching mechanisms (e.g., Memcached, Redis) to reduce database load and improve response times. [6] provides details on MediaWiki caching.
- **Database Monitoring:** Use database monitoring tools to track performance metrics and identify potential issues.
Further Resources
- Manual:Configuration
- Manual:Installation
- Manual:Upgrading
- MySQL Documentation: [7]
- PostgreSQL Documentation: [8]
- SQLite Documentation: [9]
- [10] - Percona Database Administration Resources
Understanding database setup is fundamental to running a successful MediaWiki. By following this guide and regularly maintaining your database, you can ensure a stable and performant wiki for your users. Remember to consult the official MediaWiki documentation and the documentation for your chosen database system for more detailed information. Utilizing strategies like [Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD)] for monitoring wiki growth, applying [Elliott Wave Theory] to user engagement patterns, and employing [Relative Strength Index (RSI)] to analyze content popularity can offer insightful data for wiki management. Analyzing [Bollinger Bands] on article view counts and tracking [Fibonacci retracement] levels in user contributions can also be valuable. Consider the impact of [Ichimoku Cloud] on overall wiki health and monitor [Average True Range (ATR)] for content volatility. Pay attention to [Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP)] for key article edits and use [On Balance Volume (OBV)] to track content creation trends. [Chaikin's Money Flow] can provide insights into user contribution patterns, while [Donchian Channels] can help define content boundaries. Analyzing [Parabolic SAR] for trending topics and utilizing [Stochastic Oscillator] to identify potential content saturation points can also be beneficial. Paying attention to [Commodity Channel Index (CCI)] for article activity and using [Williams %R] to assess content strength are other useful techniques. Tracking [Keltner Channels] for content volatility and applying [Pivot Points] for identifying support and resistance levels in article views can provide additional insights. Monitoring [Heikin Ashi] for smoother analysis of user activity and utilizing [Renko charts] for filtering out noise in data trends are also valuable. Implementing [Point and Figure charting] for long-term trend analysis and using [Candlestick patterns] to identify potential content shifts can provide valuable signals. Employing [Harmonic patterns] to predict future content trends and applying [Wavelet analysis] for detailed trend decomposition can enhance understanding. Monitoring [Fractals] for identifying key turning points and utilizing [Market Profile] for analyzing content distribution can provide further insights. Consider [VSA (Volume Spread Analysis)] for understanding content engagement and applying [Wyckoff Method] for interpreting user behavior patterns.
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