How to Use the Command `doctl databases user` (with examples)

The doctl databases user command is a powerful and flexible tool provided by DigitalOcean to manage database users from the command line. This command allows users to create, view, manage, and modify database user accounts effortlessly. It is part of the doctl suite, which is a command-line interface (CLI) for managing DigitalOcean resources. With its versatile functionalities, doctl databases user enhances productivity by enabling automated and streamlined database user management.

Use case 1: Run a doctl databases user command with an access token

Code:

doctl databases user command --access-token access_token

Motivation:

Securing your database operations is crucial, and using an access token ensures that only authorized users can perform actions on your database resources. Access tokens are like secure keys that allow you to authenticate against the DigitalOcean API, which doctl interacts with. When using doctl databases user commands, specifying the access token directly helps in automating scripts without logging in manually.

Explanation:

• doctl databases user: Initiates the doctl command targeting the database users.
• command: The specific action you want to perform, such as create, delete, or list users.
• --access-token: A flag to specify the access token for authentication.
• access_token: The actual token that authenticates the user with the DigitalOcean API.

Example output:

The command executed successfully using the provided access token.

Use case 2: Retrieve details about a database user

Code:

doctl databases user get database_id user_name

Motivation:

There may be scenarios where you need to verify the details of a specific database user, such as permissions or authentication methods in use. Retrieving user details using this command facilitates quick troubleshooting and insights into user configurations.

Explanation:

• get: Command action to retrieve information.
• database_id: Identifies the specific database in question.
• user_name: The username of the database user whose details you wish to inspect.

Example output:

Username: user_name
Role: Read-only
Authentication method: SHA-2

Use case 3: Retrieve a list of database users for a given database

Code:

doctl databases user list database_id

Motivation:

Listing all database users provides a comprehensive overview of who has access to a particular database. This is crucial for managing permissions and security, enabling administrators to audit user access regularly.

Explanation:

• list: Specifies the action to retrieve a list of users.
• database_id: The identifier of the database to list users from.

Example output:

User List for database_id:
1. Username: user1
2. Username: user2
3. Username: admin

Use case 4: Reset the auth password for a given user

Code:

doctl databases user reset database_id user_name

Motivation:

Security best practices dictate changing passwords regularly. If a user’s password has been compromised, it is essential to reset it immediately to protect the database integrity. This command allows for quick resetting without delving into GUI interfaces.

Explanation:

• reset: Indicates the operation to reset the user’s password.
• database_id: The database where the user resides.
• user_name: The username whose password needs resetting.

Example output:

The password for user user_name has been successfully reset.

Use case 5: Reset the MySQL auth plugin for a given user

Code:

doctl databases user reset database_id user_name caching_sha2_password|mysql_native_password

Motivation:

In certain cases, compatibility issues may arise with different MySQL auth plugins. Resetting the auth plugin ensures that users authenticate using the compatible method, enhancing database security and stability.

Explanation:

• reset: The command to perform the reset operation.
• database_id: Specifies which database to impact.
• user_name: Identifies the user involved.
• caching_sha2_password|mysql_native_password: Options to set the desired authentication plugin for compatibility.

Example output:

The auth plugin for user user_name has been successfully updated to mysql_native_password.

Use case 6: Create a user in the given database with a given username

Code:

doctl databases user create database_id user_name

Motivation:

Creating new users is a frequent task when expanding database access to additional team members or applications. Automating user creation saves time and ensures adherence to naming conventions and security protocols.

Explanation:

• create: The operation to add a new user.
• database_id: The database where the user will be added.
• user_name: The desired username for the new database user.

Example output:

User user_name has been successfully created in database_id.

Use case 7: Delete a user from the given database with the given username

Code:

doctl databases user delete database_id user_name

Motivation:

When a user no longer requires access, it’s crucial to remove them to prevent unauthorized access or accidental modifications. This command facilitates precise and efficient user management.

Explanation:

• delete: Command to remove a user.
• database_id: The specific database from which to delete the user.
• user_name: The username that needs to be removed.

Example output:

User user_name has been successfully deleted from database_id.

Conclusion:

The doctl databases user command provides a comprehensive suite for managing database users through the command line. Each use case illustrates how various functionalities can be leveraged to maintain secure, efficient, and organized database environments. The flexibility and power of doctl enhance productivity for developers and administrators managing DigitalOcean services.