Troubleshoot WordPress Connectivity Error to Database

I am an irregular user of Linux. For some demo scenario, I needed to install WordPress. All good and pretty straight forward. I've deployed two CentOS VMs, installed MySQL on one (DB layer) and Apache and PHP on the the other (front end). I've configured MySQL, created DB, added users. I've also tested connectivity from front end to the DB layer. I've also installed WordPress, but when connecting to wp-admin site, I got a connection error message to the DB.

Weird, since I could actually connect to the DB using mysql client and the same credentials.

So it is not a connection error or a problem with the DB.

Since mysql client from front end works, I've tested php connectivity. For this I've put together the following small script in a file called conn.php and put the file in /var/www/html/wordpress/

<?php
try {
    $dbh = new PDO('mysql:host=IP_ADDR;port:3306;dbname=WP_DB_NAME','USER', 'PASS');
    print "Connected succefully";
}
catch (PDOException $e) {
    print "Error!: " . $e->getMessage() . "<br/>";
    die();
}
?>

Next I opened the browser and executed the php script which resulted in an expected connection error:

At this point I just run the same script, but this time interactively from php command line:

And I got a less expected connection successful message. By default SELinux is enabled and it will not allow httpd to talk to the mysql service. A quick test is to temporarily disable SELinux:

setenforce 0

and running again the script will connect successfully: 

So the main culprit is SELinux. Going forward there are 2 options: disable SELinux permanently (which is acceptable in demo labs) or enable Apache to connect to other service by changing the SELinux policy (which will be another post)

My First AWS Exam

Recently I took AWS Solution Architect Associate exam. It was one of my oldest dreams and somehow a personal challenge. I have been involved at some point in my career with integrating vRealize Automation and AWS. So I got a bit of experience working with EC2 instances, VPCs, ELBs. But then I changed project and position and I did not touch AWS for a while. Recently I've restarted to work with AWS but this time more with S3, IAM and Lambda functions. So I've decided to give it a try and get certified.

I've prepared for the exam taking acloud.guru training course. The course is well structured and educative. I have enjoyed the hands on labs (especially the Alexa skill building one). Practice tests will come in handy, but the course feels a bit insufficient on these. So if you choose to go through more practice tests, whizlabs can be one option. It's not a brain dump and the questions will help you get more knowledge about AWS services as well as get used to the scenario based type of questions.  Another step is read the FAQ for the services in the exam blueprint. And lastly you need to have hands-on experience - so get your hands dirty.

The exam was tougher than I expected. At some point I was thinking that I will not pass (yes, I did pass). Previous IT experience helps in choosing the right answer when you actually don't know it. You also need to read very carefully the question, which being a scenario based question can be harder to understand for English speakers like me. That's why I prefer to read it out loud (it helps being alone in the exam room).

All in all, it was a good experience and I am interested in trying my forces with another AWS exam.