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MySQL - Free

 So I was looking at trying to get a cloud based database that was always on. I wanted to build some visuals over whatever data I ended up building and have the DB accessible from a cloud server seemed like the easy way. I wanted to keep it free because I hate spending when I don't need to, so that others could use it for free and because I was sure there must be options out there. In the end my life was made much easier by spending £10 but you can go with the same free option on this site.

https://www.freemysqlhosting.net/

Although not super fast or super sized it gives you a free and easily accessible database. So far I have easily connected using phpAdmin, BeeKeeper Studio, Python, Google Data Studio and Keboola. I have had no issues at all unlike several other solutions I have tried including Heroku. 

To setup the DB you just set your location and hit start, you will then be e-mailed the connection details and then use your favourite MySQL IDE and you are in. 


Above is a snapshot of me connected and using the database through Bee Keeper Studio. For me personally it is a great chance to get experience using MySQL, having mostly been limited to the Oracle stack this is great. So far I haven't done much more than create a few tables and views. 

Below is the full code of the view that I cobbled together using Google / Stackoverflow. Given I have 10 years experience in Oracle it is not surprise that currently I feel Oracle is head and shoulders easier to use. 




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