What is Cloud SQL and How to Use It With MySQL & PostgreSQL

Enormous storage space is a precondition for the smooth performance of applications. Such applications need to store and retrieve data for operating desirably. Though there are options to maximize storage to a certain extent by using hardware components, it does not provide unlimited storage space for this purpose.

Cloud storage options such as Google’s Cloud SQL serves as a viable alternative to address this problem. At present, most companies can run applications as well as host valuable data and information due to this resource.

Let’s find out what Cloud SQL is, the benefits and how it can be used in conjunction with MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

What is Cloud SQL?

Could SQL is Google’s powerful relational database, which provides dependable storage space, and the mechanism for the management of applications. Apart from providing redundant storage space, it also takes care of other aspects such as the operational speed for the smooth operation and performance of software programs. In this regard, the relational database of Google looks after the replication, patch management, and database management of application software.

A Cloud SQL works like a server. It hosts several databases at once. Known to be a variant of the MySQL database, it remains in Google Cloud as one of its components. Apart from the functional abilities of MySQL, it also possesses certain additional features. It is suitable for applications that are smaller to mid-size and is characterized by the ease of use. That is to say, it does not necessitate any specific learning on the part of a user to operate as it necessitates neither software installation nor maintenance.

Benefits of SQL

Most companies view Cloud SQL as the ultimate solution to hosting applications due to the numerous benefits it offers. Here is a list of some cloud SQL benefits.

● Storage Capacity and Management of Applications: Sky is the limit when it comes to the availability of storage space for applications via the Cloud SQL server. Besides, Google also arranges for the smooth running of the applications by managing their speed and several other factors. The best part of using it is that a user does not need any specific technical knowledge for the installation or maintenance of applications in Cloud SQL instance.

● Automated Backups: The Cloud SQL backs up the data of application software automatically. This helps individuals as well as companies at the time of data crisis. With backed up data on the cloud server, they can restore the data of applications whenever they feel the need for it.

● Secure Connectivity: A user does not need to worry about the security of SQL traffic within the networks of Google as the secure sockets layer (SSL) protocol takes care of its security.

● Enhanced Datacentre: Google Cloud SQL comes across with the benefit of storing application data in the datacentre of specific geographical locations. Users get to choose the locations in which they would like to store the app data.

● Simple means to import and export databases: Importing or exporting the database of Cloud SQL to Cloud storage is a simple and hassle-free process. A user can execute this task with ease by defining the storage path. Additionally, one can also make use of tools like JBDC, and MySQL Wire Protocol to facilitate the migration of the database within or outside the platform.

● Cost-Effective: Taking the benefits of Cloud SQL into consideration, one can say that it offers a good value for money to users. While people think of it only in terms of storage space, there is more to it. Unlimited storage space for applications aside, it also offers additional functionalities.

Using Cloud SQL with MySQL

Follow the steps given below to use Cloud SQL for MySQL

● Installing a MySQL client: You can connect to an instance effortlessly by authorizing your network after requesting an IP address.

● Connect via MySQL client: Start the interactive shell followed by the identification of the IP address using my MySQL command. Enter the MySQL command at the prompt to ensure that the traffic of the instance is secure under the SSL protocol.

● Use other programs: Following the successful installation of the MySQL client, you can also make use of other client programs apart from the MySQL program.

● Utilize general SQL commands: For performing tasks such as checking status variables or adding users, run the fundamental SQL commands via admin and reporting tools that correspond to MySQL or its client.

Using Cloud SQL with Postgre SQL

At first, you need to build or choose a GCP project. Once this step is complete, ensure you have completed the billing requirements for your project on Google Cloud Platform. After ensuring these two requisites, proceed to the steps given below.

● Cloud SQL instance creation: Turn to the page concerning the Cloud SQL instances and choose the project on which you would like to work. Next, click on these options sequentially: Continue->Create Instance->PostgreSQL. Enter myinstance in the field below “Instance ID”. Also, enter the password in the field below “Default user password”, and click on “Create”.

● Connecting to your instance via the psql client: After creating a new instance, wait for some to allow the completion of the process of initialization. You will see a welcome message when the process is complete. This will be followed by a prompt for connecting to your Cloud SQL instance. Input your Postgres password to see the psql prompt.

● Creating a database and uploading data: For creating a database and uploading data to it, you need to insert sample data into the guestbook and retrieve data from it.

Final Thoughts

Cloud SQL is a domain that offers a whole new set of possibilities. Given the numerous benefits of Cloud SQL and its ease of use, it has a huge potential to explore in 2019. With the new releases of Cloud SQL in 2019, such as the Alpha Release, users are all set to get new features to run and manage applications in an even better way.