Databases and caches, several versions at once
Short Leash runs MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL with pgvector and PostGIS, MongoDB, Redis, Valkey, Memcached, Meilisearch, Typesense, RustFS, Reverb and a mail catcher on 127.0.0.1 only. Add the same one twice for two versions side by side, each with its own port and data, and back up every database daily.
Services are part of Short Leash Pro. Every Pro feature is on for your first 14 days. Pricing
On Short Leash's Services screen, MySQL 8.4.9 is turned on and starts on 127.0.0.1:3306. Add service adds MySQL 9.7 on the next free port, 3307, and it starts beside the first, with its own data folder. Its details show the .env lines for it, and Copy .env lines copies them.
Two versions, side by side
Add service installs a service the first time and starts it. Add the same one again for an older app: MySQL 8.4 on 3306 and 9.7 on 3307 run together, each with its own data.
Turn each one on or off with its switch. If a port is taken, the row names the program holding it.
- MySQL 9.7, 8.4 and 8.0; MariaDB 11.8 and 10.11; PostgreSQL 14 to 18, with pgvector and PostGIS
- MongoDB 8.0 and 7.0
- Redis and Valkey (Garnet on Windows), Memcached and Typesense on macOS, Meilisearch, RustFS and Reverb
- Listens on 127.0.0.1 only, never your network
Connect a site in one copy
Each service's details show its address, its data folder and the .env lines your framework reads. Add to site writes them into a site's .env and keeps everything else: Laravel's keys for Laravel and Statamic, one URL for the rest. Copy .env lines copies them instead. On a site's Overview, Create database makes its database, shows the URL and adds it to the .env.
Open in opens a database in TablePlus, Sequel Ace, Postico or Redis Insight, whichever you have. Open in Terminal starts mysql, mariadb or psql, already connected.
Every database, backed up daily
Turn on Back up databases every day at and Short Leash keeps a copy of each MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL and MongoDB database, made with their own dump tools, for the number of days you choose. If your computer was asleep, the backup runs as soon as it can.
Restoring replaces a database after backing it up first, or puts the backup into a new one beside it.
- 03:00 by default, 7 days kept; the newest backup of each database always stays
- Back up now before a risky migration
- Skip daily backups for a database you don't need
From your terminal and your assistant
The leash command
leash service add mysql 9.7leash db createleash db urlleash db mysql northwindleash backup now mysqlleash backup listEvery command is in the CLI reference.
Tools your coding assistant can use
Connect Short Leash once with claude mcp add --scope user leash -- leash mcp; Settings › Coding assistants (MCP) has the setup for other assistants. Coding assistants
Questions
Can I run two MySQL versions at the same time?
Yes. Choose Add service, pick MySQL and another version, and Short Leash suggests the next free port, such as 3307. Each copy keeps its own data folder.
Can I run MySQL on macOS 13 or 14?
MySQL's downloads need macOS 15. MariaDB runs on macOS 13 and later and works with MySQL apps.
Does Short Leash run MongoDB?
Yes. Add MongoDB 8.0 or 7.0. It listens on 27017, on 127.0.0.1 only, and each download is checked against MongoDB's SHA-256 and release signature. Add to site writes MONGODB_URI, and backups use MongoDB's Database Tools.
Can I use PostGIS?
Yes, with PostgreSQL 14 to 18. Choose Add PostGIS on a PostgreSQL service, then run CREATE EXTENSION postgis; in your database.
Can I run Redis itself, not just a Redis-compatible server?
Yes, on a Mac. Add Redis 8.10, 8.2 or 7.2 beside Valkey. Short Leash builds it on your computer the first time from Redis's source, checked against the SHA-256 Redis publishes, without the modules Redis 8 bundles. On Windows, Garnet is the Redis-compatible service.
Can I use Typesense with Laravel Scout?
Yes, on macOS 13.1 or later. Add Typesense 30.2 or 29.0, and Add to site writes SCOUT_DRIVER=typesense and the key, host and port Scout reads. Short Leash downloads Typesense's own build and checks it against a SHA-256 it carries. Its API and peering service both listen on 127.0.0.1 only.
What's the MySQL password in Short Leash?
MySQL, MariaDB and PostgreSQL all use the user root with no password, on 127.0.0.1. Add to site writes the settings your framework reads into a site's .env, or Copy .env lines copies them.
Can other computers on my network reach these databases?
No. Every service listens on 127.0.0.1 only.
What happens when a port is already in use?
The service's row names the program holding it and its PID. Short Leash never stops other programs. Quit it and choose Try again, or give the service another port.
How do I create a database for a site?
Run leash db create in the site's folder. Short Leash makes the database the site's .env names, or one named after the site, on the service it points at, turning that service on if it's off, and prints its URL. leash db url prints the URL again.
How do I restore a local database backup?
On Backups, expand the database and choose Restore on a backup. Replace the database, after Short Leash backs up what's there now, or restore into a new database and leave the original alone.
Start free, try Pro for 14 days
Download Short Leash for Mac or Windows. Every Pro feature is on for your first 14 days, with no card and no account.