The Wordpress database is where information is stored regarding pages, posts, comments, themes, plugins, users - all kinds of great stuff!
Within the database there are 12+ tables which store specific, related information.
Currently MySQL and MariaDB. Perhaps someday we’ll see PostgresSQL.
wp_comments comments wp_commentmeta metadata about comments wp_links deprecated but can be enabled via links manager plugin wp_options administration -> settings wp_posts posts, pages and navigation menu items wp_postmeta metadata about posts wp_term_relationships post association with categories and tags from wp_terms table wp_term_taxonomy category, link or tag (taxonomy) for wp_terms entries wp_termmeta metadata about terms wp_terms categories, links and tags for posts wp_usermeta metadata about users wp_users users
Tables are specific to a particular set of information and relate to other tables so that additional information about it can be associated.
For example: Posts are stored in separate tables from comments. The two have a relationship so that the correct comment gets displayed with the correct post.
Here's a diagram showing table contents and relationships:
When you first install WordPress a file call wp-config-sample.php is placed on the server which you then need to copy as wp-config.php and edit to fit your hosting scenario.
Note: Many installers and hosting company scripts will create the correct file using data you provide during the installation process, so don't sweat this for now.
When editing wp-config.php, avoid using Word and other word processors - use a text editor instead. Otherwise, odd characters can get inserted that will result in errors.
wp-config.php Contents
The wp-config-sample.php file contains information about connecting to the database, key options and parameters such as security and optimization details. Here's a breakdown of the wp-config.php file contents.
Note: When you see lines in the wp-config.php file starting with and ending with or starting
with the text inbetween those are all comments. In other words, they
don't actually represent any instructions for the server to execute.
DATABASE CONNECTION AND STRING HANDLING
// ** MySQL settings - You can get this info from your web host ** // /** The name of the database for WordPress */ define( 'DB_NAME', 'database_name_here' ); /** MySQL database username */ define( 'DB_USER', 'username_here' ); /** MySQL database password */ define( 'DB_PASSWORD', 'password_here' ); /** MySQL hostname */ define( 'DB_HOST', 'localhost' );
You may also find:
/** Database Charset to use in creating database tables. */ define('DB_CHARSET', 'utf8'); /** The Database Collate type. Don't change this if in doubt. */ define('DB_COLLATE', '');
SECURITY KEYS
define('AUTH_KEY','F~)M6NUROA{!D+z&Lw/1S4CSN_Ba/Kv]L<rU*%X:_=[URiuwh^!fC3r6TN,4QHSv'); define('SECURE_AUTH_KEY', 'cEh[n@U]RXB8D=F2.8f+L<GuLtE38J&T)(]Y0B~zs+KNmSN-2Pyanv,_0_z-V7[`'); define('LOGGED_IN_KEY', 'n9]SF]^w_KI&<DiY+m@n:5#g:%V9XOE:9GJ!oj27-R$W7J}yN*4gUE+<+3wF%IAw'); define('NONCE_KEY','Oi~%Gno,_1W1iZs:Mjthu7y*cs4:A0UEavP8K&D|hlugV:Zp>xnggIR2a6ZG&(5$'); define('AUTH_SALT','l|o:wBFNU|+a0Q]t!P$1qyQcd3H4.~|x)F#I{Bc2@]4&mJounFDXBE#]GeA;&8u'); define('SECURE_AUTH_SALT','vhj%dQPbaPUBluq}(2~H8/$#/AF^F4pT/7q_3zQ;|U7#M^`{(23).RKXLj2O(4qB'); define('LOGGED_IN_SALT', 'dVM%Z}OHs7ZQv8]M&!)W*j`6[Qpw):u$0)BLfo5$U-+RV+_J_iJueUXg*wgQMj+D'); define('NONCE_SALT','q^&f<lj.e49Y}I1Yl]/{u8j+jt<A7YN|Zr[NicVyEF@$>uM$Fcl?]k{r5e9V9p+');
You should immediately change these for improved security.
Pop over to the secret key API and it'll generate a new set for you. Hit refresh a few times and copy/paste the result over the top of your current keys in wp-config.php.
DATABASE TABLE PREFIX
$table_prefix = 'wp_';
This is the default. It's recommended that something other than wp_ be used for security sake. Use letters, numbers and underscore only.
LOCALIZED LANGUAGE
define ('WPLANG', ''); define('LANGDIR', '');
English is the default language. If you'd like to set language to something else, just the 2 letter language code - like: de inside the single quotes.
Example:
define ('WPLANG', 'de');
You'll also need to install the de.mo into the wp-content/languages folder (primary path) or wp- includes/languages (secondary path). Make sure that your 2 letter code matches the .mo file you install.
If you'd like to put the language file(s) in a different location, you can set that via LANGDIR.
Example:
define('LANGDIR', 'wp-includes/lang');
See Frequently Asked Question Regarding the WordPress Database. 3)(LINK TO NEW FAQ WP DATABASE PAGE)