Getting Started with Databases
The first step in using a database with Ignition is to identify a database server. Many companies already have database servers maintained by their IT departments. If you do not, or wish to set up your own database server for Ignition, the Supported Databases section below offers some advice on choosing a database vendor.
Once you've identified a server, all you need to do is create a connection to that server to get up and running.
Supported Databases in Ignition
Ignition has been tested with the following databases, and can connect to them directly after installation. You can connect to other databases by installing additional JDBC drivers (the Java database connection specification), which are often provided by database vendors.
Database | Version |
|---|
Full Support |
|---|
| MySQL | 5.0+ for full support. Ignition can connect to 4.x, but many features such as Tags are not tested. |
| Microsoft SQL Server | 2005, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 (full and express editions). Ignition can connect to 2000, but has not been fully tested. |
| Oracle | 10g, 11g, 12c (full and express). The letters stand for "grid" and "cloud" |
| PostgreSQL | 8.0+ |
| Firebird | All versions. |
| |
| SQLite | A driver for the popular embedded database system. This can be used to connect to an existing SQLite database, or create a new database: setting the connect URL property to a file that doesn't exist will result in the driver attempting to create the database. |
Limited support |
|---|
| Other JDBC drivers | Due to variances in databases, some features may not work fully through other non-tested JDBC drivers. However, it is usually possible to get full functionality though the careful use of the database translator feature. For example, the JDBC driver for MariaDB could be downloaded and added to Ignition. |
Choosing other Databases
If you are new to working with SQL databases and are trying to choose a vendor, you need to consider the following three factors:
1- Existing company usage
Many companies already use SQL databases for other purposes, and thus most IT departments already have a defined standard. Going along with your company's existing standard is usually recommended, as there will already be staff available who are knowledgeable about the system. Furthermore, you may be able to tie into your company's existing database system instead of maintaining your own.
2 - Price and Features
The fully supported databases shown above vary dramatically in price. Some systems can cost thousands of dollars, but may have a free "express" edition that will work perfectly well for your requirements. Others offer advanced features such as redundancy, which are either not offered or difficult to configure in the other systems. It is therefore important to clearly define the features and capabilities that you need.
3 - Most common among Inductive Automation users
Choosing a database that is commonly used by Inductive Automation users means that you are more likely to find examples and help in the Forum, among other benefits. The supported database list above is sorted according to our current user install base.
Installing and Connecting to a Database
Once you've identified a server, all you need to do is create a connection to that server to get up and running. See the Installing Databases and Connecting to Databases sections for details about how to install and connect to different databases through Ignition.
If we don't already have a connector for your database type, you can simply add it in yourself.
