> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/databases/mariadb/how-tos.md).

# How-Tos

How-to guides for managing MariaDB clusters using the DCD.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important:**

* **MariaDB v2** is available in MariaDB Long-Term Support (LTS) versions, such as 10.6, 10.11, 11.4, 11.8, or 12.3. We recommend using 10.11 and above, as MariaDB 10.6 has reached End of Life (EOL).
* Use MariaDB v2 to create clusters using the [<mark style="color:blue;">DCD</mark>](/cloud/databases/mariadb/how-tos/v2.md) or the [<mark style="color:blue;">API</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/api-reference/databases/mariadb/).
* **MariaDB v1** has officially reached End of Life (EOL) and all legacy v1 clusters have been decommissioned effective **August 31, 2026**.
* The migration from v1 to v2 runs automatically with zero downtime. Your database stays fully functional throughout the process, and your existing connection strings continue to work without changes.
  {% endhint %}

## What can you do with the MariaDB v2 engine in the DCD?

With the MariaDB v2 engine in the DCD, you can:

* Create a MariaDB v2 cluster, optionally restoring it from an existing backup. Cluster creation is no longer supported in v1.
* View the list of clusters and a cluster's details.
* Update cluster properties, configuration, resources, and maintenance settings.
* Restore an existing cluster from a backup to a specific point in time.
* Delete a cluster that is no longer required.

## Quick links

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>MariaDB v2</strong></mark></td><td>How-to guides for managing MariaDB clusters using the MariaDB v2 engine.</td><td><a href="/cloud/databases/mariadb/how-tos/v2.md">MariaDB v2</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>MariaDB v1</strong></mark></td><td>How-to guides for existing MariaDB v1 clusters. <strong>Cluster creation is no longer supported in v1</strong>.</td><td><a href="/cloud/databases/mariadb/how-tos/v1.md">MariaDB v1</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/databases/mariadb/how-tos.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
