Configuring HeidiSQL

Learn how to create a new session in HeidiSQL and initialize your first MariaDB database, the essential first step before any real development.

Launching HeidiSQL

Open HeidiSQL on your machine. When the application launches, it will open the Session Manager window.

Click on the “New” button to create a fresh session. Assign a clear and recognizable name to your session at the top (e.g., Ambitions Localhost).

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Configuring the Connection

In the session configuration panel, complete the following settings:

• Network Type: MySQL (TCP/IP)

• Hostname / IP: 127.0.0.1 for local environments, or the remote server IP

• User: Usually root for local setups

• Password: Enter the password defined during MariaDB setup (leave blank only if absolutely necessary — not recommended)

• Port: 3306 (default port unless customized)

Click Save to preserve your session.

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Connecting to the Database Server

Select your configured session in the list and press “Open”.

If all settings are correct, HeidiSQL will establish a connection to your MariaDB server and display the available system databases in the left panel.

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Creating Your First Database

To create a database:

1. Right-click on an empty area in the database tree (left panel).

2. Select “Create new” → “Database”.

3. Enter your preferred name, such as ambitions_framework.

4. Set the Collation to utf8mb4_general_ci (recommended for full Unicode support).

5. Click OK to finalize.

Your new database will immediately appear in the list and is ready to receive tables and data.

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You're Ready !

You now have:

• A persistent session to connect to MariaDB

• A dedicated database for your development needs

You can now proceed with importing schemas, managing tables, and integrating with your Ambitions Framework setup.