Connecting to 1&1 database from Android,..possible?

NutterzUK · 1 Dec 2011 at 00:17

Hi,

I am creating an Android app, and need to be able to send and receive data from a MySQL database I have set up on my 1&1 account, with my website.

However, I see this in the help when setting up the database:

"Your MySQL databases are stored behind a firewall to protect your data. You can only access each one exclusively through your server. Direct access to your MySQL databases using a home PC (external ODBC connection) cannot be established."

Does that mean I'm not going to be able to create a connection from Android devices? If so,.. is there a way I can get date to and from the device from this database?

Thanks,

asim18 · 1 Dec 2011 at 00:25

I think the solution would be to create a custom "man in the middle" script to let your app interface with your database.

*I know nothing about MySQL.

Staffy · 1 Dec 2011 at 00:38

You will need some kind of "man in the middle script" as said above that you can use to manipulate & validate the information and that the user is allowed to do so.

I wouldn't advise having a mobile app connecting straight to a database you would be asking for all kinds of trouble.

sist_si · 1 Dec 2011 at 00:41

yep, i'd create a web service on the server which interfaces with your database directy...then, i'd use the app to connect to the web service via some method of authentication. that way you control what your app can and can't do to the database and you have a secure web facing layer in front of it.

NutterzUK · 1 Dec 2011 at 00:42

I was thinking i'd be asking for all kinds of trouble doing that also.

Would that be something I'd look into doing via PHP do you think?

Thanks,

Staffy · 1 Dec 2011 at 01:18

Yes php would be ideal if you know it.

NutterzUK · 1 Dec 2011 at 03:25

I know the very basics of it. I did a course which seemed to rush us very quickly through HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, XML in much too short a time, I think I *should* be able to handle it with the help of a lot of googling!

Thanks all for the feedback, I just needed a high level look at how I can actually make it work, so I know where to start diving in.

Thanks again