Databases

Where is the data stored in Zen Cart?

If you are completely new to databases, please review the basics of Zen Cart.

Where do I find the database files?

A database is not stored in any files that are directly accessible to you as a storeowner. Instead, you access it via phpMyAdmin or similar tools, and query (request) data from the database according to what you wish to read from it. In the case of taking a backup. you’re exporting the entire database content into one great big file that can be used for offline storage, or restoring if needed. That’s the only way you will ever see the database as “a file”.

How are databases connected to Zen Cart?

When installing Zen Cart, you tell Zen Cart which database to store its data in. Those details are stored in the configure.php files (usually by zc_install when you’re installing the site for the first time).

How many databases does Zen Cart use?

Generally speaking, a Zen Cart store only uses one database at a time.

THIS MEANS YOU SHOULD NEVER RESTORE or IMPORT a different database into your live store’s database unless you’re absolutely certain that you wish to WIPE OUT the existing data!!!

What permissions does a database need?

See the Installation docs for database creation and permissions details.

What are prefixes?

Zen Cart supports the use of “table prefixes” to differentiate between its own tables and the tables used by other web applications sharing the database. It identifies the tables which it uses within that database by the DB_PREFIX setting in your configure.php file. Prefixes often have the value zen_ or zc_.

The use of the DB_PREFIX setting is discussed in prefix.

Using prefixes is no longer a recommended practice; simply create one database for your Zen Cart store, and only use that database for that store. If your website uses other database-backed applications (such as WordPress), put the tables required in a separate database. Modern hosters will permit you to have many databases, not just one.

Prefixes are sometimes used by Zen Cart auto-installers, which are also not recommended. See how do I install for details on installing Zen Cart.

Note: If you run any commands via phpMyAdmin and your site uses a prefix, you will need to add that prefix to any database table name.

How many tables are in the Zen Cart database?

As of version 1.5.8, there are 94 tables in the Zen Cart database. You can see a list of them by looking at the file includes/database_tables.php.

What is the schema for Zen Cart?

Recent releases have a schema file stored in the documentation. Go to the Zen Cart Schema page to find the version which corresponds to your Zen Cart version. If you’re not sure what version you are running, take a look at the FAQ how to find your Zen Cart version.



Still have questions? Use the Search box in the upper right, or try the full list of FAQs. If you can't find it there, head over to the Zen Cart support forum and ask there in the appropriate subforum. In your post, please include your Zen Cart and PHP versions, and a link to your site.

Is there an error or omission on this page? Please post to General Questions on the support forum. Or, if you'd like to open a pull request, just review the guidelines and get started. You can even PR right here.
Last modified March 18, 2024 by Scott Wilson (7a03af66).