Start With a Database

Cloudzilla makes database setup and global scaling effortless. From picking a database to configuring DB Roaming for peak performance, this guide has everything you need to get your data close to your users and ready to scale.

Step 1: Pick Your Database

Log in to Cloudzilla: Head to Cloudzilla and log in to your account. (New here? Sign up—it’s quick, easy, and free to get started.)
Create a New Project: In your Dashboard, select Create New Project. Choose your template or import an existing GitHub project to get things moving.
Select a Database: When prompted, pick a database for your project. Currently, Cloudzilla offers:
Why it’s awesome: Cloudzilla places your database close to your users, cutting down on latency and boosting performance automatically.
Click Next to continue with your project setup.

Step 2: Configure Your Database Settings

Database Name: Choose a memorable name for your database—it’ll be visible in your Dashboard.
User Credentials: Set up a username and password for secure access.
Region Selection: Cloudzilla will suggest the best region based on your users’ location, optimizing for both cost and performance. This ensures your database is always in the right place at the right time.
Smart Deployment: Cloudzilla’s intelligent region selection saves you money by placing your database in the most cost-effective location near your users.
Click Deploy to launch your database. Cloudzilla handles the setup, security, and scaling behind the scenes.

Step 3: Manage Your Database from the Dashboard

Once your database is live, head to your Dashboard to manage it. Here’s what you’ll see:

Connection Details: Includes the Server, Port, Username, and Password. Use these details to connect your app directly to your database.
Replica Connection: For read-heavy workloads, Cloudzilla provides a read replica with its own server and port information, allowing you to distribute load efficiently.
Cost Monitoring: Track your accrued and estimated monthly costs in real-time, so you know exactly what you’re spending.
Download CA Certificate: For secure connections, download the CA Certificate provided by Cloudzilla to ensure encrypted data transfers.
Efficiency Tip: Use the read replica to balance load and keep response times low, especially during peak traffic.

Step 4: Enable Database Replication with DB Roaming

Access Roaming Settings: In your database’s Dashboard section, click on Roaming Settings to enable DB Roaming.
Enable DB Roaming: Activating DB Roaming creates copies of your database in each location where your app is deployed. This allows your application to read data from the nearest replica, reducing latency and improving user experience.
Why Use Roaming?: With DB Roaming, your database follows your app, adapting to changes in traffic and user location for unbeatable speed and performance.
Cost of Replication: DB Roaming is billed per compute hour per replica. Cloudzilla provides real-time cost estimates so you can manage your budget effectively.

Step 5: Connect Your Application to the Database

Use the Server and Port information from the Dashboard along with your Username and Password to connect your app to the primary database for read/write operations.
To optimize read-heavy applications, use the Replica Server and Replica Port for read-only access, balancing your load and boosting performance.
Pro Tip: Connecting to a read replica is especially helpful for applications with a high number of read requests. It keeps your primary database efficient while distributing workload.

Step 6: Monitor and Scale with Ease

Cost and Performance Monitoring: Check your Dashboard for real-time updates on monthly costs and database performance.
Scale Up or Down: Cloudzilla automatically adjusts the number of database replicas based on your traffic, so you’re always prepared for surges or drops without having to lift a finger.
Transparent Pricing: You’ll see a breakdown of compute hours and costs, so you know exactly what you’re paying for each month.

FAQs

Currently, switching database types within the same project isn’t supported. However, you can create a new project and select a different database type.
Cloudzilla provides a CA Certificate in the Dashboard. Download it and configure your application to use it for encrypted connections, keeping your data safe.
Cloudzilla automatically scales the number of replicas to match traffic. You won’t need to worry about manual adjustments—Cloudzilla’s got you covered.