How to create database and tables using Xampp Server and phpMyAdmin

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to creating a database and tables using XAMPP and phpMyAdmin, perfect for beginners.

1. Install and Start XAMPP

1. Download XAMPP from apachefriends.org
2. Install it (default settings are fine)
3. Open XAMPP Control Panel
4. Start:
   • Apache
   • MySQL

When both turn green, XAMPP is running.

2. Open phpMyAdmin

1. Open your browser
2. Go to: http://localhost/phpmyadmin

phpMyAdmin is the web interface for managing MySQL databases.

3. Create a Database

1. In phpMyAdmin, click Databases (top menu)
2. Under Create database:
   • Enter a database name (example: school_db)
   • Choose collation: utf8mb4_general_ci
3. Click Create

Your database is now created.

4. Create Tables (Using UI Method)

1. Click your database name (school_db) on the left panel
2. Under Create table:
   • Table name: students
   • Number of columns: 5
3. Click Go

Example Table Structure

4. Click Save

Table created successfully!

5. Create Tables (Using SQL Query – Recommended)

1. Select your database
2. Click SQL
3. Paste this example:

CREATE TABLE students (
    id INT(11) AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
    name VARCHAR(100) NOT NULL,
    email VARCHAR(100) UNIQUE,
    age INT(3),
    created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
);

4. Click Go

Table created using SQL.

6. Insert Data into Table

Using SQL

INSERT INTO students (name, email, age)
VALUES ('John Doe', 'john@example.com', 20);

7. View Table Data

1. Click your table (students)
2. Select Browse

You’ll see the inserted records.

8. Common Errors & Fixes

9. Folder Location for PHP Files

Place your PHP files in:

C:\xampp\htdocs\

Access them via:

http://localhost/yourfile.php