A MySQL database is a special place on the CGI server where you can store data that can be easily retrieved from your web pages using PHP or Perl. Most commonly, PHP is used. SQL stands for Server Query Language. You might say it's a scripting language of it's own.

MySQL is a system that provides a server to process SQL queries so that you can store and retrieve data. Some CGI programs such as phpMyAdmin and phpBB use a MySQL database to keep track of data. For example, phpBB stores user registrations and posts in the MySQL database and shows them on forum web pages when someone visits the forum. Using a MySQL database can make your site more interactive for your visitors.