This document introduces several ways to get a running database. Each option has its own pros and cons. Please read through the whole document before you take action.

Docker - best for local development

Pros

• Very useful skill to learn, we may cover more on docker later in the course
• Easy to get a new database, useful when grading
• Runs on your local machine, so queries are blazingly fast 🔥
• Runs on your local machine, so no need for internet
• No usage limits
• More control

Cons

• Needs basic to intermediate knowledge about computer and network
• More complicated to start if you don’t have it installed already
• Runs on your local machine, so consumes your computer’s resource

If you think docker is too intimidating, you can use other options down below. Those are easier to setup.

Install Docker

If you are on MacOS or Windows, install Docker desktop. Install Docker desktop for Windows if you are using WSL.

Get Docker

You’ll have to enable WSL integration to call docker inside WSL on windows. Follow the instruction prompted when you run docker for the first time to enable the setting.

I prefer Docker Engine if I’m on Linux. Follow the instruction to get Docker Engine. Do not install both Docker Engine and Docker desktop at the same time.