A Google Cloud SQL instance is a set of memory structures that manage database files. The instance manages its associated data and serves the users of the database. Every running Google Cloud SQL database is associated with at least one database instance.
Cloud SQL instances are fully managed, relational MySQL and PostgreSQL databases. Google handles replication, patch management, and database management to ensure availability and performance. When you create an instance, choose a size and billing plan to fit your application.
To create a Google Cloud SQL instance:
- Go to the Google Cloud SQL instances page at the following URL: https://console.cloud.google.com/sql/instances.
- Click on the create instance button at the middle of the page. A guided sequence will lead us to create the instance.
- Choose the database type; two options are available: MySQL and PostgreSQL (MySQL is the default choice). After making your choice, click on the next button.
- Choose a MySQL instance type; two options are available: MySQL Second Generation (recommended) and MySQL First Generation. MySQL Second Generation offers high performance, high storage capacity, and low cost. MySQL First Generation is the older version of Cloud SQL, providing basic performance and storage capacity. To make your choice, click on the Choose Second/First Generation button.
- A new page is opened. In this page, a set of choices must be made, as shown in the following screenshot:
The first choice concerns the name of the instance. This is a name visible from the outside so it is advisable not to include sensitive or personally identifiable information in that name. Furthermore, it is not necessary to include the project ID in the instance name; if necessary, it is added automatically.
- Set the password for the 'root'@'%' user.
- Set the region.
- Set configuration options.
- Finally, click on the Create button.
In this way, a new instance will have been created.