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Managing Database Users

Introduction

This tutorial shows you how to manage MySQL users and their permissions using DBWillow's visual user management interface.

Accessing User Management

  1. Connect to a database
  2. Click "User Management" in toolbar
  3. View all database users

Creating a New User

Step 1: Open Create Dialog

  1. Click "Create User" button
  2. User creation form appears

Step 2: Enter User Details

  • Username: Choose a username
  • Host: Select host:
    • localhost - Local connections only
    • % - Any host
    • Specific IP - That IP only
  • Password: Set secure password

Step 3: Select Role

Choose a role:

  • Admin: Full access
  • Read-Only: SELECT only
  • Read-Write: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
  • Custom: Choose specific permissions

Step 4: Preview and Create

  1. Review permissions
  2. Click "Preview Changes"
  3. See SQL that will execute
  4. Click "Create User"

Assigning Permissions

Using Role Templates

  1. Select role from dropdown
  2. Permissions auto-configured
  3. Customize if needed
  4. Apply to user

Custom Permissions

  1. Select "Custom" role
  2. Choose specific permissions:
    • Database-level
    • Table-level
    • Specific privileges
  3. Apply to user

Editing Users

Step 1: Find User

  1. Browse user list
  2. Find user to edit
  3. Click "Edit"

Step 2: Modify Permissions

  1. Change role or permissions
  2. Add/remove privileges
  3. Preview changes
  4. Apply updates

Best Practices

Security

  • Use strong passwords
  • Limit host access
  • Principle of least privilege
  • Regular audits

Organization

  • Use descriptive usernames
  • Document user purposes
  • Group by function
  • Regular cleanup

Common Scenarios

Application User

  1. Create user: app_user
  2. Host: Application server IP
  3. Role: Read-Write
  4. Database: Specific app database

Reporting User

  1. Create user: reporting_user
  2. Host: Reporting server
  3. Role: Read-Only
  4. Databases: Reporting databases

Admin User

  1. Create user: admin_user
  2. Host: Admin workstation
  3. Role: Admin
  4. Full access

Troubleshooting

Permission Denied

  • Check user permissions
  • Verify host restrictions
  • Review error messages

Can't Create User

  • Verify CREATE USER privilege
  • Check username format
  • Review MySQL logs

Next Steps