# Connect to MariaDB database

Connecting MindsDB to your MariaDB database can be done in two ways:

* Using [MindsDB Studio](#mindsdb-studio).
* Using [MariaDB client](#mariadb-client).

## Prerequisite

To connect to MariaDB from MindsDB, you will need to install the CONNECT Storage Engine.

!!! Tip "How to install the CONNECT Storage Engine"
    * Please check the MariaDB <a href="https://mariadb.com/kb/en/installing-the-connect-storage-engine/" target="_blank">documentation</a>.
    * Read more about the <a href="https://mariadb.com/kb/en/introduction-to-the-connect-engine/" target="_blank">CONNECT Storage Engine</a>.

## MindsDB Studio

Using MindsDB Studio, you can connect to the MariaDB database with a few clicks.

#### Connect to database

1. From the left navigation menu, select Database Integration.
2. Click on the `ADD DATABASE` button.
3. In the `Connect to Database` modal window:
    1. Select MariaDB as the Supported Database.
    2. Add the Database name.
    3. Add the Hostname.
    4. Add Port.
    5. Add MariaDB user.
    6. Add Password for MariaDB user.
    7. Click on `CONNECT`.


![Connect to MariaDB](/assets/data/mariadb.gif)

#### Create new Datasource

1. Click on the `NEW DATASOURCE` button.
2. In the `Datasource from DB integration` modal window:
    1. Add Datasource Name.
    2. Add Database name.
    3. Add SELECT Query (e.g. SELECT * FROM my_database)
    4. Click on `CREATE`.

![Create MariaDB Datasource](/assets/data/mariadb-ds.gif)

!!! Success "That's it :tada: :trophy:  :computer:"
    You have successfully connected to MariaDB from MindsDB Studio. The next step is to train the [Machine Learning model](/model/train).

## MariaDB client

!!! Info "How to extend MindsDB configuration"
    Our suggestion is to always use [MindsDB Studio](/datasources/mariadb/#mindsdb-studio) to connect MindsDB to your database. If you still want to extend the configuration without using MindsDB Studio follow the [configuration example](/datasources/configuration/#mariadb-configuration).

After adding the required configuration, you will need to start MindsDB and provide the path to the newly created `config.json`:

```
python3 -m mindsdb --api=http,mysql --config=config.json
```

The `--api` parameter specifies the type of API to use -- in this case HTTP and MySQL. The `--config` parameter specifies the location of the configuration file.

![Start MindsDB with config](/assets/data/start-config.gif)

If MindsDB is successfully connected to your MariaDB database, it will create a new database `mindsdb` and new table `predictors`.
After starting the server, you can run a `SELECT` query from your mariadb-client it to make sure integration has been successful.

```sql
SELECT * FROM mindsdb.predictors;
```

![SELECT from MindsDB predictors table](/assets/data/mariadb-select.gif)

!!! Success "That's it :tada: :trophy:  :computer:"
    You have successfully connected MindsDB Server and MariaDB. The next step is to [train the Machine Learning model](/model/mariadb).

