MySQL and Python

[lmrogers]

Morning,

 

I've had a request from one of the computing teachers for a MySQL server that students can access and use for working with their Python projects.

 

I'm not really too sure the best way to go about this as I'm really not keen on having anything like this on my server infrastructure.

 

Has anyone had to setup anything like this at all?

 

Cheers

[mavhc]

Ask for the reason they need MySQL rather than sqlite, if they need things that sqlite can't do, fair enough, but that's unlikely

[synaesthesia]

There's a million and one online SQL setups you can use i.e. codeacademy which negates the need for that. Frankly at the moment you need to have the least amount of attack surface on your network possible and installing SQL of any flavour increases risk unless it and the clients using it are off-domain.

[mavhc]

Installing any server increases risk, not sure why an sql server is deemed more risky

[synaesthesia]

Installing any server increases risk, not sure why an sql server is deemed more risky

 

Any reason for being constantly a contrarian? You're right - but it increases risk, so the problem is what? Keep the risk low.

[mavhc]

The problem is the way to reduce all risk is to turn off all the computers. We're providing a service. What specifically about a MySQL server is worse than, say, a file server?

[Ditto]

I think it would be better to consider the OPs original question and not let the topic drift. @synaesthesia did with the suggestion around online solutions. I'd +1 that approach for ease of setup alone. Other ideas would be using something like VBox. This has been discussed in lots other threads. The security issue is important, but it's not the only thing to consider.

[kingoranks]

We recently installed this, Im sure the lesson can be taught without a server. Two years ago we gave the ICT teacher an old server for the kids to use for project stuff. Absolutely nothing on school server

[lmrogers]

We recently installed this, Im sure the lesson can be taught without a server. Two years ago we gave the ICT teacher an old server for the kids to use for project stuff. Absolutely nothing on school server

 

How did you install this?

 

Cheers

[dmj]

We provide a mysql service for students to use; it's a basic Centos machine with mysql and phpmysqdmin.

I don't see why it would create any more of a security risk than any other service we provide.

That said, If I were to do it again I'd probably run it in GCP/AWS/Azure these days and get the dept to pay for it - but that's more to do with saving the trouble of maintaining it.

[jr_]

I know this was posted a while ago but; tell them to use https://www.freemysqlhosting.net/ then open port 3306 outgoing on your firewall. I got some python mysql template code if you want it

[nicholab]

If you used Terraform you could spin up the environment in Azure/GCP/AWS when needed and just use prescient storage.

 

You could also do the same on your own platform if supported.

 

The then use a VPN and direct Rdp to machines.

[mavhc]

SELECT * FROM server_filesystem WHERE security = unexplained

[mjhardisty]

I agree with nicholab.

 

A school in our MAT has just started to look at implementing computing. The safest and easiest way would be to spin up a lab environment for students in Azure.

 

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/lab-services/

 

Completely isolated from your network, they can still access Github or whatever to setup projects, access OneDrive Files-on-Demand, etc.

 

Teachers can control classrooms, machines can be wiped and rebuilt/reset quickly and students can log into them from home too and continue to work and experiment.

 

I think a paid A5 licence is required for the teacher, but that comes with 40 free student licences. The cost of running a class size lab I think would come out around £500/year.