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## Abstract

JaM uses a MySQL database to manage its data. It can create a database for you or you use an existent database. With the "Edit Database Information" dialog you configure the database connection information and initialize a new database.

It is recommended to create a database especially for JaM, otherwise table or index names may clash with existing objects.

## 1. Provide connection information

First of all enter the DBI Data Source, Username and Password to connect your MySQL database. The default for DBI Data Source is "dbi:mysql:jam", but you can change it, e.g. if your database is not installed on localhost or behind a DBI::Proxy. Refer to the manpage of DBD::mysql for information about DBI data sources for MySQL databases.

This information will be stored in the file ~/.JaMrc, so JaM will be able to connect the database without asking you again.

## 2. Test your configuration

Press the button "Test" to test your connection information. A connection will be established and terminated immediately. If everything works ok, a corresponding message will appear in the "Status" area. Otherweise an error message will be displayed there.

## 3. Create your database

If you want to create a new database for JaM, press the "Create DB" Button. You can skip this step, if you want to use an existent database. If a database with this name does already exist, a error message will be thrown and the existent database will not be touched.

## 4. Create tables

The last step is creating the tables for JaM. Press the "Create Tables" button and they will be created inside the database you have chosen.

## That's all, Folks

Almost ;) If you change the database connection information at runtime (not in the initialization phase) you have to restart JaM. $HELP::FOOTER