> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stackshift.cloud/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create a database

> Provision a managed database and understand the minimum runtime and recovery expectations around it.

<Tip>
  **Live.** This area is documented as current, user-reliable behavior.
</Tip>

## Goal

Create a database with the right expectations for connectivity, health, and restore behavior.

## Prerequisites

* A healthy node if the deployment model requires one
* Application credentials planning

## Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Create the database from the relevant dashboard surface.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Wait for provisioning and runtime health to settle.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Inspect credentials and connection info before wiring the app to it.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Choosing an engine and size

* Pick the engine: PostgreSQL, MySQL, or Redis.
* Choose a size option for the database (CPU/memory/storage tier).
* Database creation is subject to your plan limit, so you may be prompted to upgrade if you are at the cap.

## Provisioning lifecycle

A new database moves through provisioning before it reaches running. Wait for running and healthy state before wiring an application to it — connection details are stable once it settles.

## What the database detail flow exposes after creation

* Credentials and connection details
* Metrics, observability snapshot, and logs
* Backups, restore, clone, and pooler-related controls

## Expected result

<Check>
  A managed database is provisioned and usable from the platform.
</Check>

## Related guides

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Credentials, pooling, and usage expectations" href="/databases/credentials-pooling-and-usage">
    Understand how to consume database connection details and what to assume about pooling and access patterns.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Back up and restore a database" href="/databases/back-up-and-restore-a-database">
    Use the current S3-backed database backup and restore model with the correct operational expectations.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Managed database overview" href="/databases/managed-database-overview">
    How StackShift databases fit into the platform and how they differ from stack-hosted stateful services.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>