## Overview

{% if TIDB_ENVIRONMENT == 'TiDB Cloud Starter' %}
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> [!IMPORTANT]
> - An upgraded version of this lab is now available. We recommend trying the upgraded version - [Introduction to TiDB Cloud Starter](/labs/demo_203)
> - This lab only supports Chrome browser.

![starter.jpg 85%](https://lab-static.pingcap.com/images/2025/11/13/0137686753f2ed2957e74888e1c12ed7b957357c.jpg)

In this workshop, you will learn the basic operations and advanced features of TiDB Cloud Starter by using SQL. Specifically, we will cover issuing queries from MySQL Client, accessing the database programmatically by using Python scripts as an example, accelerating complex queries with TiFlash. This is a practical workshop that allows even beginners to learn the basics and advanced features of TiDB Cloud Starter in one go.

### Tasks

+ Connect to a TiDB Cloud Starter cluster and issue queries from MySQL Client.
+ Create a Python script to access TiDB.
+ Speed ​​up long-running complex queries by using the columnar storage option TiFlash.

> [!TIP]
> Click **Start** to launch the lab environment.
> Once the environment is ready, the resources assigned to your hands-on session will be populated with the actual values, so you can follow the lab guide step-by-step to complete the practice.

{% elif TIDB_ENVIRONMENT == 'TiDB Cloud Essential' %}
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> [!IMPORTANT]
> This lab will generate approximately 1 USD in TiDB Cloud usage fees. To start this lab, ensure one of the following payment methods is active on your TiDB Cloud account:
> - A valid credit card must be linked to your [TiDB Cloud account](https://tidbcloud.com/org-settings/billing/payments).
> - Sufficient [TiDB Cloud Credits](https://tidbcloud.com/org-settings/billing/credits) to cover the hands-on lab duration. Would like to apply for TiDB Cloud Credits? Click [here](https://www.pingcap.com/demo/?utm_source=lab_201&utm_medium=overview&utm_campaign=labs_to_demo#meeting) to book a meeting.

![essential.jpg 85%](https://lab-static.pingcap.com/images/2025/11/13/4fa3e363574f907e313447750093f5700c9579a0.jpg)

In this workshop, you will learn the basic operations and advanced features of TiDB Cloud Essential by using SQL. Specifically, we will cover issuing queries from MySQL Client, accessing the database programmatically by using Python scripts as an example, accelerating complex queries with TiFlash. This is a practical workshop that allows even beginners to learn the basics and advanced features of TiDB Cloud Essential in one go.

<!-- markdownlint-disable MD024 -->
### Tasks

+ Connect to a TiDB Cloud Essential cluster and issue queries from MySQL Client.
+ Create a Python script to access TiDB.
+ Speed ​​up long-running complex queries by using the columnar storage option TiFlash.

> [!TIP]
> Click **Start** to launch the lab environment.
> Once the environment is ready, the resources assigned to your hands-on session will be populated with the actual values, so you can follow the lab guide step-by-step to complete the practice.

{% endif %}