# Logical Databases

> Create and manage multiple logical databases within a single instance.

Logical Databases
-----------------

A single managed database instance can host multiple logical databases. This is useful for running separate databases for different applications or environments while sharing the same infrastructure.

### Default Database

Every managed database comes with a default database called `defaultdb`. You can use this for your application or create additional databases as needed.

### Creating a Logical Database

1. Navigate to your database
2. Go to the **Databases** tab
3. Click **Create database**
4. Enter a **database name**
5. Click **Create**

### Database Naming Rules

Database names must:

- Contain only lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores
- Start with a letter or underscore
- Not be a reserved name (e.g., `mysql`, `postgres`, `information_schema`)

**Valid examples:**
- `production`
- `my_app`
- `staging_v2`

### Use Cases

Common reasons to use multiple logical databases:

- **Multi-tenant applications** - One database per tenant
- **Environment separation** - Separate staging and production data on the same instance
- **Multiple applications** - Different apps sharing the same database server
- **Microservices** - Each service gets its own database

### Deleting a Logical Database

To delete a logical database:

1. Go to the **Databases** tab
2. Find the database you want to delete
3. Click the delete button
4. Confirm the deletion

**Warning:** Deleting a logical database permanently removes all data stored in it. This action cannot be undone.

### Next Steps

- [Database users](/documentation/managed-databases/database-users) - Grant user access to specific databases
- [Backups](/documentation/managed-databases/backups) - Learn about automatic backup coverage