How to Configure the Database in Strapi CMS: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

1. Prerequisites
2. Understanding Strapi's Database Configuration
3. Configuring SQLite (Default)
4. Configuring PostgreSQL
5. Configuring MongoDB
6. Configuring MySQL
7. Conclusion

1. Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following: - A basic understanding of Strapi and its setup - Node.js (v14 or higher) and npm (v6 or higher) installed - A Strapi project set up (Follow our installation guide if you haven't set it up yet)

2. Understanding Strapi's Database Configuration

Strapi's database configuration is managed through the config/database.js file. This file contains all the necessary settings to connect Strapi to your preferred database. By default, Strapi uses SQLite, but you can easily switch to other databases.

3. Configuring SQLite (Default)

SQLite is the default database for Strapi, ideal for development and testing. No additional configuration is needed if you choose to stick with SQLite. However, ensure you have the SQLite dependencies installed:

npm install sqlite3 --save

4. Configuring PostgreSQL

To use PostgreSQL, follow these steps:

1. Install PostgreSQL Client:

   npm install pg --save
   

2. Update Configuration: Open config/database.js and modify it as follows:

   module.exports = ({ env }) => ({
     defaultConnection: 'default',
     connections: {
       default: {
         connector: 'bookshelf',
         settings: {
           client: 'postgres',
           host: env('DATABASE_HOST', '127.0.0.1'),
           port: env.int('DATABASE_PORT', 5432),
           database: env('DATABASE_NAME', 'strapi'),
           username: env('DATABASE_USERNAME', 'strapi'),
           password: env('DATABASE_PASSWORD', 'strapi'),
           ssl: env.bool('DATABASE_SSL', false),
         },
         options: {},
       },
     },
   });
   

3. Environment Variables: Create a .env file in the root of your project with your PostgreSQL credentials:

   DATABASE_HOST=localhost
   DATABASE_PORT=5432
   DATABASE_NAME=strapi
   DATABASE_USERNAME=strapi
   DATABASE_PASSWORD=strapi
   DATABASE_SSL=false
   

5. Configuring MongoDB

To use MongoDB, follow these steps:

1. Install MongoDB Client:

   npm install strapi-connector-mongoose mongoose --save
   

2. Update Configuration: Open config/database.js and modify it as follows:

   module.exports = ({ env }) => ({
     defaultConnection: 'default',
     connections: {
       default: {
         connector: 'mongoose',
         settings: {
           client: 'mongo',
           host: env('DATABASE_HOST', '127.0.0.1'),
           port: env.int('DATABASE_PORT', 27017),
           database: env('DATABASE_NAME', 'strapi'),
           username: env('DATABASE_USERNAME', ''),
           password: env('DATABASE_PASSWORD', ''),
           srv: env.bool('DATABASE_SRV', false),
         },
         options: {
           authenticationDatabase: env('AUTHENTICATION_DATABASE', null),
           ssl: env.bool('DATABASE_SSL', false),
         },
       },
     },
   });
   

3. Environment Variables: Create a .env file in the root of your project with your MongoDB credentials:

   DATABASE_HOST=localhost
   DATABASE_PORT=27017
   DATABASE_NAME=strapi
   DATABASE_USERNAME=
   DATABASE_PASSWORD=
   DATABASE_SRV=false
   DATABASE_SSL=false
   

6. Configuring MySQL

To use MySQL, follow these steps:

1. Install MySQL Client:

   npm install mysql2 --save
   

2. Update Configuration: Open config/database.js and modify it as follows:

   module.exports = ({ env }) => ({
     defaultConnection: 'default',
     connections: {
       default: {
         connector: 'bookshelf',
         settings: {
           client: 'mysql',
           host: env('DATABASE_HOST', '127.0.0.1'),
           port: env.int('DATABASE_PORT', 3306),
           database: env('DATABASE_NAME', 'strapi'),
           username: env('DATABASE_USERNAME', 'strapi'),
           password: env('DATABASE_PASSWORD', 'strapi'),
           ssl: env.bool('DATABASE_SSL', false),
         },
         options: {},
       },
     },
   });
   

3. Environment Variables: Create a .env file in the root of your project with your MySQL credentials:

   DATABASE_HOST=localhost
   DATABASE_PORT=3306
   DATABASE_NAME=strapi
   DATABASE_USERNAME=strapi
   DATABASE_PASSWORD=strapi
   DATABASE_SSL=false
   

7. Conclusion

Configuring your database in Strapi CMS is a straightforward process. Whether you're using SQLite, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or MySQL, Strapi makes it easy to switch and configure the database of your choice. With your database set up, you can now leverage Strapi's powerful features to build and manage your content-rich applications efficiently.