PHP Missing The MySQL Extension Error In WordPress

WordPress relies on a MySQL database to store and manage website content. Occasionally, when setting up or running a WordPress website, you may encounter the “PHP Missing the MySQL Extension” error. This error occurs when PHP, the scripting language that powers WordPress, lacks the MySQL extension necessary for communication between WordPress and the MySQL database. In this guide, we will explore the causes of this error and provide step-by-step instructions on how to resolve it.

Understanding the PHP Missing the MySQL Extension Error

The “PHP Missing the MySQL Extension” error is an indication that the PHP installation on your web server does not have the MySQL extension enabled or available. The MySQL extension is crucial for WordPress because it facilitates the retrieval and storage of data in the MySQL database, which is where your website’s content, settings, and configurations are stored.

When this extension is missing or disabled, WordPress cannot establish a connection to the database, resulting in the error. It is essential to resolve this issue promptly to ensure your WordPress site functions correctly.

Read: Hire A WordPress Developer: All You Need To Know

Step-by-Step Guide to Resolve the Error

Follow these steps to resolve the “PHP Missing the MySQL Extension” error in WordPress:

Check Your PHP Version

Before addressing the missing MySQL extension, ensure that your PHP version is compatible with WordPress. WordPress recommends using PHP 7.4 or higher for better performance, security, and compatibility. To check your PHP version:

• Create a simple PHP file named phpinfo.php with the following code: <?php phpinfo(); ?>

• Upload this file to your website’s root directory using an FTP client or file manager provided by your web hosting control panel.

• Access the phpinfo.php file through your web browser (e.g., http://yourwebsite.com/phpinfo.php).

• Look for the “PHP Version” information displayed on the page to identify your PHP version.

• If your PHP version is below 7.4, consider upgrading it to a compatible version. You may need to contact your web hosting provider or server administrator for assistance with PHP version updates.

Verify the MySQL Extension

The next step is to confirm whether the MySQL extension is enabled in your PHP configuration. You can create a simple PHP file to check for the MySQLi (MySQL Improved) extension, which is a modern replacement for the older MySQL extension. Here’s how:

• Create a new PHP file, e.g., check_mysql.php, with the following code:

<?php if (extension_loaded('mysqli')) { echo "MySQLi extension is available."; } else { echo "MySQLi extension is not available."; } ?>

• Upload this file to your website’s root directory.

• Access the check_mysql.php file through your web browser.

• If you see the message “MySQLi extension is available,” it means the MySQLi extension is enabled on your server.

• If you see “MySQLi extension is not available,” it indicates that the MySQLi extension is either disabled or not installed.

Enable the MySQLi Extension

If the MySQLi extension is not available, you will need to enable it in your PHP configuration. The process may vary depending on your hosting environment:

Shared Hosting

If you are using shared hosting, you can often enable or configure PHP extensions through your hosting control panel, such as cPanel or Plesk. Follow these general steps:

• Log in to your hosting control panel.
• Look for a section related to “PHP Settings” or “Select PHP Version.”
• In this section, you should find an option to enable or configure PHP extensions.
• Locate and enable the “MySQLi” extension.
• Save your changes.

Dedicated Server or VPS

If you have control over your server (dedicated server or virtual private server), you can enable the MySQLi extension by modifying your PHP configuration (php.ini) directly:

• Locate the php.ini file on your server.

The location of this file can vary, but common paths include /etc/php/7.x/php.ini (replace “7.x” with your PHP version) for Linux servers or C:\Program Files\PHP\php.ini for Windows servers.

• Open the php.ini file using a text editor of your choice.

• Search for the following line:iniCopy code;extension=mysqli Remove the semicolon at the beginning of the line to uncomment it:iniCopy codeextension=mysqli

• Save the php.ini file.

Restart your web server to apply the changes. The method for restarting your web server varies depending on your server environment. For Apache, you can typically use the service apache2 restart command on Linux servers.

Verify Database Credentials

After enabling the MySQLi extension, it’s crucial to verify that your WordPress configuration (wp-config.php) contains the correct database credentials. Open the wp-config.php file, which is typically located in your WordPress root directory, and check the following lines:

define('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name'); define('DB_USER', 'your_database_user'); define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password'); define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

Ensure that the values for 'your_database_name', 'your_database_user', and 'your_database_password' match your MySQL database credentials.

Additionally, the 'DB_HOST' value should typically be set to 'localhost' unless your hosting provider specifies otherwise.

Test Your WordPress Website

Once you’ve made these changes and verified your database credentials, it’s time to test your WordPress website. Visit your website in your web browser to check if the “PHP Missing the MySQL Extension” error has been successfully resolved. If you can access your website without encountering the error, it means the issue has been resolved, and your WordPress site is functioning correctly.

Seek Professional Assistance

If you have followed these steps and the error persists, or if you are uncomfortable making changes to your server configuration, it is advisable to seek professional assistance. Contact your web hosting provider’s support team or a qualified web developer who can diagnose and resolve the issue for you. They can provide expert guidance and ensure that your server environment is properly configured for WordPress.

Read: Best WordPress Plugins And Extensions For Your Website

In Conclusion

The “PHP Missing the MySQL Extension” error in WordPress can be resolved by checking and enabling the MySQLi extension in your PHP configuration. Additionally, verifying your PHP version, database credentials, and other configurations is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of your WordPress website. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can address the error and enjoy a fully functional WordPress site with access to its database and content management capabilities.