Where Are WordPress Pages Stored in Database? [SQL Lookup]

where wordpress pages are stored, where wordpress pages are stored in database

Ever come across the thought that WordPress stores all your pages and posts? It’s 2024, and WordPress is the most widely used CMS on the internet, which powers nearly 35% to 38% of the internet and holds more than 60% shares of the Content Management System.

It definitely has all the reasons to dominate the market – Simple and easy navigation interface which can even be used by non-technical people, fast loading speed making it SEO friendly, stable platform, and high security.

If you are thinking WordPress works like your typical mobile device where pictures are individually stored, you are in the wrong direction. You might ask how WordPress stores our pages and what’s the mechanism behind this balanced management.

Well, WordPress keeps all your posts, including pages and content, inside a database table called the “wp-posts.” Whenever you publish new information, WordPress automatically adds the information to this database table.

These technicalities might feel too heavy to digest to you. So let’s dive deeper into the concept and easily explore the process.

How WordPress Works?

WordPress is developed by the use of PHP codes, and it uses MySQL for databases. It is a different type of code from the basic HTML codes. Now that you know WordPress is not using HTML, you have already got the clarification of the first question which was whether WordPress saved each post and page separately.

Definitely NOT, because it’s not using HTML.

Whenever anyone lands on your website and browses the content, WordPress loads and searches for all the information from the pre-made database; after gathering information from MySQL, it uses PHP to display the information in front of the users.

Let’s simplify the whole procedure for better understanding:

  • The reader lands on your website and wants any specific page to read available on your website (this website is hosted on WordPress).
  • Now WordPress scans the database and finds that piece of information by running a PHP function that starts with index.php.
  • WordPress reviews the stored information of your website and picks up the requested post or page.
  • Your website has a specific theme, and you are using some plugins for management. Now WordPress will merge and arrange the requested information with the plugins and the themes before presenting.
  • Once everything is packed together, it creates a page using HTML code.

Now the pages are sent for display. So this was the whole procedure. WordPress utilizes MySQL for the generation of displayed HTML pages.

Where is WordPress Pages Stored in SQL?

We have just explained the procedure above, and as mentioned earlier, WordPress stores all the created content, including the pages and posts, in its database. To date, each piece of content you have created is present inside a table called the “tmp317e7a_posts.”

It is even possible to customize this database by two different methods — one is by SQL, which can be done by command of MySQL, and another method is by using a reliable tool (our recommendation is phpMyAdmin). You can use the tool for managing and maintaining your database.

Now, most WordPress users get phpMyAdmin in their control panel, depending on their hosting. If you are someone using a cPanel, you can simply log in to your account and then search for the phpMyAdmin option.

It will send you directly to the database from where you can do the modifications. Once you have a database, you can click on it to view the table used on your website.

where wordpress pages are stored, where wordpress pages are stored in database

You will see 12 tables by default which are editable with the use of plugins. Now one of these tables is named “tmp317e7a_posts,” inside which you will get “post_type.” This contains all types of posts, including pages, customized posts, regular posts, etc. You can also see different columns containing information like the name of the author, date posted, total comments, etc.

However, we don’t recommend experimenting with the database until you have a good grasp of the required skills with proper knowledge. A small error is enough to break down your whole website. In several circumstances, you can even lose access to your website, which can’t be recovered. So you know that it’s not something to play with. It’s highly risky.

Steps to Backup SQL Database of WordPress

The SQL backup procedure is no pain. You have two options available for doing a backup SQL Database of WordPress. One is by using phpMyAdmin, and the other one is by using a WordPress plugin. Both of the methods are safe, but plugins are easy to use.

Below we have given in detail the step to back up the SQL Database by using the phpMyAdmin method. In case you want to do this process using Plugins, we recommend “Updraft” and “All in one Migration”.

So here are easy-to-follow steps to Backup the SQL Database of WordPress using phpMyAdmin:

Start by logging into your cPanel or the control panel using your username and password. Check out this article if you need help logging in to your cPanel account.

where wordpress pages are stored, where wordpress pages are stored in database

Search for the phpMyAdmin option and click on it to get into the database collection of your website.

where wordpress pages are stored, where wordpress pages are stored in database

Find the database you want to back up and click on it. You will get an option to “Export” the database file. It will redirect to the explore page. You can easily download the backup from this place.

where wordpress pages are stored, where wordpress pages are stored in database

Here you have two options available to export your file. Choose the most suitable one as per your need; press the “Go” button once done.

Now your downloading will begin. This file will be sent from your WordPress database to your desktop. You can extract it and use it whenever required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We read your problems from the web, and here are some frequent questions we have encountered you guys asking repeatedly.

Q1. What are some plugins I can use to back up the SQL Database?

You have tons of options available but we would like to suggest to you our two favorites — the Updraft plugin and the All-in-One Migration plugin. If you are going for other options, make sure it’s updated and has genuine reviews.

Q2. What are the other elements of WordPress apart from the database?

So WordPress isn’t just bound to databases, but it also has plugins, media that you have attached, themes you are using and have used, core files that you have installed, and all the files you can think of.

Q3. What happens once I download the Backup of my site?

The backup will be saved as a zip file on the local device that you are currently using. You can extract it and use it whenever in need.

Final Thoughts

In the article, we went through the depth of all the steps with a detailed guide to answer where WordPress pages are stored in the database. We would like to remind you that playing with databases may not require high coding skills, but a single slip of mind can cost you all the hard work you’ve put into your website.

However, knowing the procedure will help you in any future troubleshooting. So do take the necessary care while doing SQL backups of your WordPress website. If you face any difficulties, don’t hesitate to put the matter in the hands of experts.

But it is simple and easy if you follow the steps mentioned in this article correctly. Do leave a comment in case of any queries, and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Avatar of Sunny Kumar
Sunny Kumar
Hello! I’m Sunny Kumar from New Delhi, India, a tech enthusiast and blogger with an IT degree from IIT-D. My expertise lies in SEO, Cloud Computing, Telecom & Networking, and CEH. I specialize in SEO, WordPress Development, and PC Building. And being a proficient WordPress user, I’m dedicated to delivering quality content and a remarkable user experience.

2 thoughts on “Where Are WordPress Pages Stored in Database? [SQL Lookup]”

  1. I appreciate the detailed explanation about WordPress page storage. It’s interesting to see how all posts and pages are stored under the ‘wp-posts’ database table. Your article makes a complex topic quite easy to understand. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Great article on how WordPress stores all content in the ‘wp-posts’ database. The way you explained the role of PHP and MySQL in managing the content was very insightful. Your step-by-step guide on how to backup SQL Database using phpMyAdmin is very useful.

    Reply

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