Christian WellsWhat is Adminer?
Adminer is a lightweight and open-source web-based database management tool written in PHP. Unlike larger tools such as phpMyAdmin, Adminer is distributed as a single PHP file and supports multiple database types, making it highly portable, fast, and easy to deploy.
Adminer 5.3.0 is a stable and widely used version that enables efficient management of:
- MySQL / MariaDB
- PostgreSQL
- SQLite
- MS SQL
- Oracle
It offers a full-featured UI for executing queries, managing tables, users, and exporting/importing data — all through a simple browser interface.
Why Use Adminer on AlmaLinux 9?
AlmaLinux 9 is a binary-compatible clone of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9, designed to be stable, secure, and supported long-term. It’s an ideal environment for self-hosted applications and database administration tools like Adminer.
Key advantages of using Adminer on AlmaLinux 9:
- Long-term support and security updates until 2032
- Full compatibility with Apache, Nginx, PHP, and MariaDB
- Secure hosting environment with SELinux support
- Availability of modern PHP versions (including PHP 8.3 via Remi repository)
- Lightweight tool that fits perfectly in minimal or enterprise setups
Core Features of Adminer 5.3.0
- Single-file PHP deployment — no installation overhead
- Web UI for managing databases, tables, users, and queries
- Support for data export/import (SQL, CSV, JSON, XML)
- Execute raw SQL with syntax highlighting
- Plugin support for extending functionality
- Interface themes and localization support
- Compatible with Apache or Nginx web servers
Common Use Cases
- Managing MariaDB or MySQL databases on AlmaLinux servers
- Fast admin interface for developers in local or cloud environments
- Emergency tool for remote database access
- Containerized app environments that need simple admin access
- Alternative to phpMyAdmin in performance-sensitive or hardened systems
Adminer vs phpMyAdmin
| Feature | Adminer 5.3.0 | phpMyAdmin |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Single PHP file | Multiple files/directories |
| Performance | Lightweight and fast | Heavier with more dependencies |
| Database Support | MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, more | Mainly MySQL/MariaDB |
| Security Footprint | Minimal | Larger surface area |
| Maintenance | Easy to update or remove | Requires full file syncs |
Security Recommendations
When deploying Adminer on AlmaLinux 9, especially in public-facing environments, follow these best practices:
- Rename the Adminer file (e.g., from
adminer.phptosecurepanel.php) - Place the file behind HTTP authentication or restrict it by IP
- Serve Adminer only over HTTPS, not plain HTTP
- Delete the file or disable its URL after use
- If SELinux is enabled (which is default), ensure proper file contexts are applied
- Use a firewall like firewalld to limit open ports and access scope
PHP Compatibility and Setup
Adminer 5.3.0 is fully compatible with:
- PHP 8.1 (default in AlmaLinux 9)
- PHP 8.3 (via the Remi repository)
Make sure the correct PHP extensions are installed depending on the database system being used (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQLite drivers).
Adminer 5.3.0 on AlmaLinux 9 provides a clean, fast, and secure way to manage databases in enterprise-grade or minimal environments. Its lightweight, single-file design makes it especially suitable for VPS deployments, containers, development environments, or restricted admin interfaces.
Paired with AlmaLinux 9’s security and long-term stability, Adminer is a highly effective tool for database administration without the complexity of traditional tools.
Step 1: Set Up a Server Instance on Shape.Host
First, create a cloud VPS running AlmaLinux 9 on Shape.Host:
Log into your Shape.Host dashboard.
Click “Create” and select “Instance”.
Select a data center region.
Choose AlmaLinux 9 (64-bit) as your OS.
Pick a plan with at least 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM, and 10 GB SSD.
Click Create Instance and wait for deployment.
Once the instance is ready, copy the IP address for SSH access.
Step 2: Connect to Your Server via SSH
On Linux/macOS:
ssh root@your_server_ip
On Windows:
Use PuTTY, enter the IP, and connect as root.
Step 3: Install Adminer on AlmaLinux 9
1. Update System Packages
dnf update
🔹 Updates the system package database and installs the latest updates.
2. Install Apache, PHP, and Required PHP Modules
dnf install httpd php php-mysqlnd php-mbstring php-pdo php-xml
🔹 Installs Apache, PHP, and necessary modules for MySQL/MariaDB support.
3. (Optional) Add PostgreSQL Support
dnf install php-pgsql
🔹 Adds support for PostgreSQL databases in Adminer.
4. Enable and Start Apache
systemctl enable httpd
🔹 Ensures Apache starts automatically at boot.
systemctl start httpd
🔹 Starts the Apache service now.
systemctl status httpd
🔹 Verifies that Apache is running properly.
5. Create Adminer Directory
mkdir -p /var/www/html/adminer
🔹 Creates a new directory inside Apache’s web root for Adminer.
6. Navigate to the Adminer Directory
cd /var/www/html/adminer
🔹 Changes the current working directory.
7. Download Adminer 5.3.0
wget https://github.com/vrana/adminer/releases/download/v5.3.0/adminer-5.3.0.php -O index.php
🔹 Downloads the Adminer PHP file and saves it as index.php so it’s accessible via browser.
8. Set Correct Ownership and Permissions
chown -R apache:apache /var/www/html/adminer
🔹 Assigns ownership of Adminer files to the Apache web server.
chmod -R 755 /var/www/html/adminer
🔹 Sets directory permissions to ensure Apache can execute and serve the files.
Step 4: Access Adminer via Browser
Open your web browser and navigate to:
http://your-server-ip/adminer/
You should see the Adminer login page. From here, you can connect to your database using the credentials and driver of your choice.
You have successfully installed Adminer 5.3.0 on AlmaLinux 9 using Apache and PHP. Adminer is now ready for managing MySQL, PostgreSQL, or other supported databases through a lightweight and secure web interface.
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