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    PolarDB:Quick Start

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    PolarDB:Quick Start

    Last Updated:Jun 10, 2026

    Create and connect to your first PolarDB cluster.

    Choose a version

    Select the PolarDB version that fits your workload. Each version differs in syntax compatibility, features, and use cases.

    PolarDB database

    Compatibility

    Use cases

    PolarDB for MySQL

    MySQL 5.6, 5.7, and 8.0

    Best for OLTP workloads: websites, mobile apps, and SaaS. Recommended for MySQL users.

    PolarDB for PostgreSQL

    PostgreSQL 14 to 16

    Advanced SQL, geospatial, and extension support. Suited for enterprise apps, analytics, and complex feature development.

    PolarDB for PostgreSQL (Compatible with Oracle)

    Oracle

    Highly compatible with Oracle syntax. Migrate on-premises Oracle databases to the cloud with minimal cost and risk.

    PolarDB Distributed Edition

    MySQL

    Distributed architecture with horizontal scaling. Ideal for massive datasets and high concurrency, such as e-commerce and financial systems.

    Create and connect to your first cluster

    Process overview:

    1. Select an engine and configure basic settings in the console.

    2. Create a database account and set a password.

    3. Get the cluster's endpoint and port.

    4. Connect with a client tool or code and run a query to verify.

    Step 1: Create a cluster

    1. Log on to the PolarDB console and go to the cluster creation page.

    2. Select an engine that matches your use case, as described in Choose a version.

    3. Node specifications: For testing, select the minimum configuration to control costs.

    4. Network: Use a VPC and keep public access disabled.

    Step 2: Create a database account

    On the cluster details page, go to Account Management and create a privileged account or a standard account. Set a strong password with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

    Step 3: Get the endpoint

    On the cluster details page, find the primary endpoint and port in Basic Information. Example: pc-xxxx.mysql.polardb.rds.aliyuncs.com:3306.

    Step 4: Connect and verify

    Use any standard database client. This example uses the MySQL CLI:

    1. Connect to the database
      Replace the endpoint, port, and username with your values. You are prompted for the password.

      mysql -h pc-xxxx.mysql.polardb.rds.aliyuncs.com -P 3306 -u <username> -p

    2. Verify the connection
      Run a query. A successful result confirms your connection.

      SELECT VERSION();

    Billing

    Creating a PolarDB cluster incurs immediate charges for compute nodes, storage, and backup storage. Release test or development clusters after use to stop billing. Product Billing.

    Quick start guides