---
title: "MySQL - Documentation"
description: "Connect MySQL or MariaDB to AI for Database with read-only access, SSL, and SSH tunnel support."
canonical: "https://www.aifordatabase.com/docs/mysql/"
---

# MySQL

intermediate 6 min read

## Connecting MySQL

AI for Database supports MySQL 5.7+ and MariaDB 10.3+. This guide walks through creating a secure read-only user and configuring the connection.

### Create a Read-Only User

```sql
-- Create user with read-only access
CREATE USER 'aifordb_reader'@'%' IDENTIFIED BY 'a-strong-random-password';

-- Grant read access to a specific database
GRANT SELECT ON your_database.* TO 'aifordb_reader'@'%';

-- Apply changes
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
```

Replace `'%'` with a specific IP address or CIDR range for tighter security.

### Connection Settings

| Field | Example |
| --- | --- |
| Host | `mysql.example.com` |
| Port | `3306` |
| Database | `production` |
| Username | `aifordb_reader` |
| Password | `(your password)` |
| SSL Mode | `required` |

### SSL Configuration

For cloud-hosted MySQL (AWS RDS, PlanetScale, etc.), SSL is typically enabled by default. Upload the CA bundle provided by your cloud provider in the Advanced section.

For self-managed MySQL, ensure `require_secure_transport = ON` in your MySQL configuration, and upload the server CA certificate.

### SSH Tunnels

MySQL connections support SSH tunnels just like PostgreSQL. Enable the SSH Tunnel toggle and provide your bastion host credentials. This is the recommended approach for databases in private VPCs.

### Character Sets

AI for Database uses `utf8mb4` by default. If your database uses a different character set, you can specify it in the Advanced connection settings.

### Troubleshooting

**Access denied for user**: Double check the username, password, and host restriction. Run `SELECT user, host FROM mysql.user;` to verify the user exists.

**SSL connection error**: If using RDS, download the combined CA bundle from AWS and upload it in the connection settings. Ensure the MySQL server has SSL enabled with `SHOW VARIABLES LIKE '%ssl%';`.

**Too many connections**: AI for Database uses a connection pool (default size 3). If your MySQL instance has a low `max_connections` limit, consider increasing it or reducing the pool size in the Advanced settings.

Source: https://www.aifordatabase.com/docs/mysql/