🚀 Setting Up and Seeding a MySQL Database in Laravel (Beginner Guide)

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🚀 Setting Up and Seeding a MySQL Database in Laravel (Beginner Guide)

If you’re starting your journey with Laravel, one of the first things you’ll need to do is connect your application to a MySQL database and fill it with some sample data.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to set up a MySQL database in Laravel and seed it with fake test data using Laravel’s built-in tools.

🛠 Step 1: Configure Your .env File

Open your Laravel project’s .env file and update your database credentials. 

DB_CONNECTION=mysql  
DB_HOST=127.0.0.1  
DB_PORT=3306  
DB_DATABASE=laravel_demo  
DB_USERNAME=root  
DB_PASSWORD=

Make sure your MySQL server is running and the database (laravel_demo) exists. If not, create it via phpMyAdmin, MySQL CLI, or any DB tool like TablePlus or DBeaver.

🧱 Step 2: Run Migrations

Laravel migrations allow you to define your database structure in code. 

php artisan migrate

This command creates default tables such as users, password_resets, failed_jobs, etc.

If you ever need to reset your database and start fresh: 

php artisan migrate:fresh

🌱 Step 3: Create and Run a Seeder

🔹 What is a Seeder?

A seeder is a class that helps you populate your database with fake or static test data — perfect for development and testing.

🔹 Create a Seeder:

php artisan make:seeder UserSeeder

This generates a file in database/seeders/UserSeeder.php.

🔹 Add Code to Seeder:

Open the UserSeeder.php file and use a factory to create fake users. 

use AppModelsUser;

public function run()
{
    User::factory(10)->create();
}

🔁 This will generate 10 fake users using Laravel’s UserFactory.

🧪 Step 4: Use the Factory

Make sure your factory is defined properly in database/factories/UserFactory.php: 

public function definition()
{
    return [
        'name' => $this->faker->name(),
        'email' => $this->faker->unique()->safeEmail(),
        'email_verified_at' => now(),
        'password' => bcrypt('password'),
        'remember_token' => Str::random(10),
    ];
}

📦 Step 5: Register and Run the Seeder

Inside database/seeders/DatabaseSeeder.php, register your custom seeder: 

$this->call(UserSeeder::class);

Then, run the seeder using: 

php artisan db:seed

Or for a full reset and reseed: 

php artisan migrate:fresh --seed

✅ Why Should You Seed?

Seeding is useful because it:

  • Creates consistent fake data for development/testing
  • Speeds up setup for new environments
  • Avoids the hassle of manual database entry
  • Works great for testing UI with realistic content

🧠 Pro Tip:

You can create seeders and factories for any model — not just User. Combine factories with relationships for advanced data seeding!

🔚 Final Words

Whether you’re building a blog, an admin dashboard, or an eCommerce app — seeding your Laravel database is a fundamental step that makes development smoother.

🧩 GitHub Example

Want a working demo?
👉 Laravel Seeders Example on GitHub

🙌 Let’s Connect!

If you enjoyed this article, share your thoughts or ask questions below.
Follow me on LinkedIn / Substack / GitHub for more beginner-friendly Laravel tutorials.

💬 Have questions or want more beginner Laravel tutorials? Drop a comment or reach out — happy to help!

#Laravel #MySQL #PHP #WebDevelopment #CodingForBeginners #LaravelTips #DevCommunity

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