A guide to installation and configuration of MySQL

An Introduction to Installing and Configuring MySQL Workbench

This guide provides instructions on installing MySQL Workbench, configuring cPanel to host a database, and connecting to your cPanel database from the workbench. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the iSchool Help Desk for assistance. Before beginning, please note that if you are using a Mac you will need to have Sierra (OSX 10.12) installed in order for MySQL Workbench to work properly.

MySQL Workbench installation guide

1. To install MySQL Workbench, please visit the MySQL Workbench Download page.
2. Select your operating system and click Download.
3. You will be prompted to sign into an Oracle account in order to download the installer. If you do not yet have an account, it is free to register. Once you sign in, the installer will begin downloading.
4. Once the installer has downloaded, click on it to begin the installation process. For basic installation, click through and use the default settings. Installing the program requires administrative privileges.
5. Once the installation is complete, you will be able to open MySQL Workbench.

cPanel

To connect to a database, you must first create one in cPanel (if you have already created a database in cPanel, please skip this step.) These steps can be completed before or after you have installed the workbench. You will also need to add a set of IllinoisNet IP addresses (Step 7) to allow access to your databases from the workbench.

1. Log into cPanel at iSchool cPanel page. If you are off campus, log into the VPN before visiting cPanel.
2. In the second section titled “Databases”, click the “MySQL Database Wizard”.
3. Name your new database. It will be in the format of “NetID_Title” (for example, ‘grob2_cpanel’).
4. Next you will create users to access your database. To do so, create a username and password for each user. The username will be in the format of ‘NetID_username’ (like ‘grob2_temp’). Make sure to not forget the username and password, as it is how you will log into your database from the workbench.
5. After you have created your user, you will need to manage its permissions. Set the permissions to “All Privileges," unless instructed otherwise.
6. You have now set up a database on cPanel.
   
7. To give yourself access to your cPanel databases, navigate back to the home page and click on Remote MySQL.
8. From there, you will be taken to a screen where you can enter IP addresses. Enter the IP addresses listed below for IllinoisNet:

Connecting via MySQL Workbench

Once you have installed the workbench and a database to connect to, you will need to configure the workbench to connect to your database.

1. If you are off-campus, first connect to the campus network using the VPN.
2. Open the workbench, and click the "+" symbol in the circle beside “MySQL Connections.”
3. A window titled “Setup New Connection” will pop up, where you can enter the information about your database:
   1. Connection Name: cPanel (or some other distinguishing title)
   2. Connection Method – leave on Standard (TCP/IP) method
   3. Hostname: cpanel.ischool.illinois.edu (If connecting to a different server, enter that hostname instead)
   4. Port – 3306 (should be the default port)
   5. Username – enter the username (netid1_xyz) you created in cPanel
   6. Password – click “Store in Vault…” on Windows, or “Store in Keychain” on Mac, and enter the password you created in cPanel. Saving the password in the vault will allow you automatically log in, unless you change the password later. On a Mac, you will have a chance to save your password in the Keychain when you attempt to test the connection or log on.
      
4. Click “Test Connection.” This will make sure the information is correct, and you should receive a “Successfully made the MySQL connection” message.  If there is no error, click OK, then Close. This will save your settings for the connection. If there is an error, double check the information above. If you need additional help, please contact the iSchool Help Desk.
   
5. Under “MySQL Connections," you will now be able to view your new connection. Double-click to connect.
6. You are now connected.