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Connecting PHP to MySQL

A database connection allows PHP to send SQL to MySQL and receive results. Keep the connection in one reusable file.

Create the connection file

Create includes/db.php:

<?php
$host = "localhost";
$dbname = "campready_db";
$username = "root";
$password = "";

$dsn = "mysql:host=$host;dbname=$dbname;charset=utf8mb4";

try {
    $pdo = new PDO($dsn, $username, $password, [
        PDO::ATTR_ERRMODE => PDO::ERRMODE_EXCEPTION,
        PDO::ATTR_DEFAULT_FETCH_MODE => PDO::FETCH_ASSOC
    ]);
} catch (PDOException $error) {
    exit("Database connection unavailable.");
}

XAMPP often uses an empty local root password, but never assume this on a hosted server. Do not reveal connection details or raw errors to users.

Use the connection

<?php
require __DIR__ . "/includes/db.php";
$stmt = $pdo->query("SELECT activity_id, activity_name FROM activities");
$activities = $stmt->fetchAll();

Why these choices matter

  • utf8mb4 supports a broad range of characters.
  • exceptions make failures detectable.
  • associative results give meaningful field names.
  • a shared file avoids repeated credentials.
  • the generic user message avoids exposing server details.

Check

  • The connection file is reused.
  • The database name is correct.
  • The page works while MySQL is running.
  • A stopped database produces a safe message.
  • Credentials are excluded from screenshots and public repositories.
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