Glossary
MySQL / MariaDB
MySQL is the most common open-source relational database for web apps; MariaDB is its drop-in fork, both storing content for sites like WordPress.
MySQL is the most popular open-source relational database management system for web applications. MariaDB is a community-developed, drop-in compatible fork created after MySQL's acquisition by Oracle; most hosts now ship MariaDB while still calling it "MySQL".
What it does
- Stores structured data in tables queried with SQL.
- Backs the content, users, and settings of
wordpressand most othercmsplatforms. - Accessed by
phpapplications, often via PHP-FPM.
Performance levers
- Proper indexing and query tuning.
- A query cache and application-level
cachingto avoid repeated lookups. - Adequate RAM so hot data stays in memory.
Why it matters for hosting
Slow database queries are a frequent cause of poor ttfb. The available database engine, version, and resource limits are central to how a dynamic site performs, so they belong on any shared-hosting or vps comparison checklist.
See also
PHP
PHP is a widely used server-side scripting language that powers WordPress and much of the web, generating dynamic pages on the server.
WordPress
WordPress is the world’s most popular content management system, powering a large share of websites with themes, plugins, and a PHP/MySQL stack.
CMS (Content Management System)
A CMS is software that lets you create and manage website content through an interface, without hand-coding each page in HTML.
TTFB (Time To First Byte)
TTFB measures how long after a request the first byte of the response arrives, reflecting server, network, and backend processing speed.