Database hosting

fortrabbit provides an optional MySQL component. Some applications require specialized database solutions. Keep your app on fortrabbit, disable the database component, and use an external database provider.

# Connecting to external databases

Since fortrabbit allows outgoing connections, you can connect to any external database service that is accessible over the internet.

1. Provision: Set up your database with the external provider.
2. Credentials: Get the hostname, username, password, and database name.
3. Env Vars: Store credentials in environment variables.

The standard MySQL port 3306 for making outgoing connections is open by default. If your external database uses a different port, open it up by using the outgoing firewall setting.

# Latency considerations

When using an external database, the physical distance between your application (hosted on fortrabbit AWS eu-west-1) and your database matters. Always try to provision your external database in the same region (AWS eu-west-1 / Ireland) to minimize latency.