Database

A database is a system that stores information in a structured way so it can be searched and retrieved quickly. On a WordPress ✕ WordPress is the world's most-used content management system, letting you build and manage websites and blogs without coding skills. More in the glossary → site it holds almost all the dynamic content: posts, pages, comments, users and settings, while the files (images, themes, plugins) live on the file server ✕ A server is a powerful computer that provides data or services to other devices — for example serving a website or storing your cloud files. More in the glossary → . WordPress works with the MySQL system or its MariaDB variant. Every time someone opens a page, WordPress queries the database with PHP ✕ PHP is the programming language WordPress runs on at the server. Using a recent version improves speed and security. More in the glossary → and assembles the content on the fly. That is why a well-optimized database and good hosting ✕ Web hosting is renting space on a server so your website is reachable around the clock. The host takes care of the technology, security, and availability. More in the glossary → greatly affect speed. Regular database backups are essential so you do not lose your content. More in the best WordPress hosting comparison.