phpMyAdmin is a popular web-based interface for managing MySQL and MariaDB databases. It provides an easy-to-use interface that simplifies database management, allowing you to perform tasks such as creating, modifying, and deleting databases, tables, and users. In this guide, we will show you how to install phpMyAdmin on Ubuntu 24.04. For optimal performance and control, we recommend hosting your setup on a WindowsVPS. A VPS server provides the flexibility and scalability needed to manage your databases efficiently.

Step 1: Update Your VPS Server

Before starting the installation, ensure your VPS server is up to date. Run the following commands to update your system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Using a WindowsVPS ensures that your phpMyAdmin installation runs on a secure, high-performance environment, giving you better control over your databases.

Step 2: Install Apache, MySQL, and PHP (LAMP Stack)

phpMyAdmin requires a LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) to function. Follow these steps to install Apache, MySQL, and PHP:

• Install Apache:

sudo apt install apache2 -y

• Start and enable Apache to start at boot:

sudo systemctl enable apache2 --now

• Install MySQL:

sudo apt install mysql-server -y

• Secure the MySQL installation:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

• Install PHP and the necessary extensions for phpMyAdmin:

sudo apt install php php-mysql php-xml php-mbstring php-json php-curl php-zip -y

Step 3: Install phpMyAdmin

Now that the LAMP stack is installed, you can install phpMyAdmin. Run the following command to install phpMyAdmin:

sudo apt install phpmyadmin -y

During the installation, you will be prompted to select a web server. Choose apache2 by pressing SPACE and then ENTER. You will also be asked if you want to configure the dbconfig-common package. Select Yes and enter the MySQL root password when prompted.

Step 4: Configure Apache for phpMyAdmin

After the installation is complete, you need to enable the phpMyAdmin Apache configuration. Run the following command:

sudo ln -s /etc/phpmyadmin/apache.conf /etc/apache2/conf-available/phpmyadmin.conf

Enable the phpMyAdmin configuration and restart Apache:

sudo a2enconf phpmyadmin
sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 5: Access phpMyAdmin

Once the setup is complete, you can access phpMyAdmin by navigating to the following URL in your web browser:

http://your-server-ip/phpmyadmin

Log in using your MySQL root user and password, or any other MySQL user you have set up. Once logged in, you will be able to manage your databases via the phpMyAdmin web interface.

Step 6: Secure phpMyAdmin

phpMyAdmin can be a target for attacks, so it's important to secure it. One way to do this is by creating an additional authentication layer using Apache's basic authentication. Follow these steps:

sudo apt install apache2-utils
sudo htpasswd -c /etc/phpmyadmin/.htpasswd yourusername

Replace yourusername with a username of your choice. You will be prompted to create a password. After setting the password, open the phpMyAdmin configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/apache2/conf-available/phpmyadmin.conf

Add the following lines inside the <Directory /usr/share/phpmyadmin> section:

AuthType Basic
AuthName "Restricted Access"
AuthUserFile /etc/phpmyadmin/.htpasswd
Require valid-user

Save the file and exit. Then restart Apache to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 7: Optimize Your VPS Server for phpMyAdmin

To ensure the best performance and scalability for managing databases, hosting phpMyAdmin on a WindowsVPS is recommended. A VPS server provides dedicated resources, allowing you to handle large databases, high traffic, and multiple users efficiently. Additionally, a VPS offers greater control over your server environment, helping you secure and optimize your phpMyAdmin installation.

Conclusion

Installing phpMyAdmin on Ubuntu 24.04 is a straightforward process that simplifies MySQL database management through a web-based interface. By hosting phpMyAdmin on a WindowsVPS, you can take advantage of better performance, scalability, and control, ensuring your databases are managed securely and efficiently.

For more information about VPS hosting and how to optimize your phpMyAdmin setup, visit WindowsVPS today.