Database
Quick Definition
A database is where WordPress stores all your content — posts, pages, comments, settings, and user data. WordPress uses MySQL or MariaDB as its database system.
What Is a Database?
A database stores structured data. WordPress uses MySQL or MariaDB for everything: posts, pages, comments, settings, users.
12 default tables with wp_ prefix.
Why It Matters
Your database IS your site. See our backup guide and database optimization guide.
Sources: WordPress Developer Resources: wpdb Class, WordPress Developer Resources: Creating Database for WordPress
Related Terms
CachingCaching stores copies of your website data in a faster location so pages load quicker. WordPress uses three types: page cache (full HTML pages), object cache (database queries), and browser cache (static files on visitors' devices).MySQLMySQL is the open-source database system that WordPress uses to store all your content — posts, pages, comments, settings, and user data. It works behind the scenes, managed by your hosting provider.PHPPHP is the server-side programming language that WordPress is built with. It processes your WordPress code on the server and generates the HTML pages that visitors see in their browser.
Related Articles
WordPress Database Optimization — Clean Up for SpeedYour WordPress database accumulates junk over time — post revisions, spam comments, expired transients, orphaned metadata. I'll show you how to clean it up safely with WP-Optimize and phpMyAdmin, and how to schedule automatic cleanups.How to Backup Your WordPress Site (3 Methods, Step by Step)I lost a client's entire website once because nobody set up backups. It was a $15,000 WooCommerce store, gone overnight after a botched plugin update. That was the day I learned that WordPress backups aren't optional. Here's exactly how to protect your site.