Lunarpages Basic MySQL hosting plan is one of the best MySQL hosting plans currently on the web. Delivers an amazing amount of bandwidth, data storage, built-in applications, and, perhaps most importantly, unlimited MySQL databases. In addition to offering an amazing amount of hosting features, Lunarpages has some of the highest quality ratings from users. Lunarpages consistently delivers excellent customers service to their customers. Additionally, Lunarpages' uptime statistics are some of the best in the world of MySQL website hosting. As you can tell from viewing the Lunarpages' plans, the price is simply amazing as well. In my professional opinion, there is currently no better web host on the internet than Lunarpages.

Hostmonster MySQL hosting is a the next runner up to Lunarpages. There are only two key difference in the features of Lunarpages Basic plan and Hostmonster plan. First, Lunarpages offers unlimited MySQL databases and Hostmonster does not. Second, Hostmonster offers the ability to host unlimited domains on your web server, but Lunarpages only allows 10. Therefore, if you have 10 extra domains with your Hostmonster account, you will pay for $10 per year for each extra domain; equaling $100 for ten domains.

I have personally used Hostmonster and can testify that after you get 5 to 10 active sites, you will find that your pages may not even load. If you have database sites, such as Wordpress blogs, slow load times will be even worse. For this reason, the unlimited domains are just a gimick; nothing that should move you away from Lunarpages. If this doesn't tip the balance in favor of Lunarpages, I don't know what will. If a hosting company beats Hostmonster, they must be simply exceptional.

If you are looking for Windows MySQL web hosting, Lunarpages also has an amazing deal on Windows MySQL hosting as well. Like Lunarpages other plans, Lunarpages Windows Hosting plan is one of the best Windows MySQL hosting plans on the internet.

Other web hosts like iPower offer less bandwidth, storage, and only allow a very limited amount of databases with each hosting plan.

Although MySQL is an open-source database, it is not an unstable or untrustworthy "bargain" alternative to a proprietary database software like Microsoft SQL Server. To appreciate and really trust MySQL databases and MySQL hosting, you will need to know the work which has gone into creating MySQL. MySQL is a simpler database solution than many of its proprietary counterparts, but just as durable. Like the philosophical theory of archon's razor would state, the simplest designs are often the most effective. Because of MySQL's faster speed, greater reliability, and easier learning curve, MySQL has become one of the most popular databases in the world. From large corporations to small users, MySQL has been put to the test and proven to be more cost effective and reliable than other proprietary database alternatives like Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle.

Due to the popularity of MySQL, the database software has an extensive knowledge base for you can access online at any time. MySQL's website and other online data repositories are continually improved and augmented by database professionals across the world. Simply log on to the official MySQL website and you can see just how vast the knowledge base is on just the official site! This is just another reason why finding competent MySQL web hosting sites is an essential component for webmasters the world over.

Because of the stability of MySQL databases, it is rare to ever encounter a problem with your hosting plan's MySQL databases. Your only concern about purchasing a MySQL hosting plan may arise if you lack the coding skills necessary to create and interface with your MySQL databases. Fortunately, there is another open source graphical user interface (GUI) typically offered by MySQL web hosting sites. This MySQL GUI is known as PHPMyAdmin.

PHPMyAdmin is an open source software which will allow you the ability to interact with MySQL databases on a MySQL hosting account. Instead of typing in MySQL commands manually, PHPMyAdmin will do this hard work for you. PHPMyAdmin is a web-based software that can take you step by step through the process of creating a database, populating it with tables, and filling it with your data. If you have ever used Microsoft Access before you should have no problem working with PHPMyAdmin. Additionally, PHPMyAdmin will generate SQL code for every database action you take! This can help you learn SQL and MySQL commands while you work the PHPMyAdmin graphical user interface.

One final note to all who are thinking about purchasing a MySQL hosting plan for the first time: If you are not familiar with server side scripting languages like PHP, ColdFusion, or ASP.net you may need to hire a programmer or take some time to learn these languages. Without knowing a server side scripting language, you will be unable to benefit from your MySQL hosting plan. Server side scripting languages such as PHP, ColdFusion, or ASP.net are the only way you will be able to access your database on your MySQL hosting account! If you are using PHP, phpMyAdmin will generate the SQL code for you, but it is still up to you to properly connect to and output the data with a server side scripting language.

Having a MySQL hosting plan with excellent support, such as offered by large web hosts is another feature you should look for when choosing a MySQL hosting plan. MySQL support can be of great value when you encounter a problem or error. If you have already bought a MySQL hosting plan and you do not have this feature, you can find a wealth of information online. The ubiquity of MySQL has created a large amount of helpful information to be available online; it is unlikely you will ever encounter a problem without an answer online.