## Overview and Prerequisites

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> [!IMPORTANT]
> - This lab guide is supported only in the Chrome browser.
> - This lab includes preview features of TiDB Cloud (Module 4 and Module 7). If you need these features in more regions or on other TiDB Cloud plans, please contact us.
> - This lab uses the TiDB Cloud Starter cluster for all steps.

In this lab, you'll use a free TiDB Cloud Starter cluster in your TiDB Cloud account, designed for lightweight testing and validation—to efficiently learn both fundamental and advanced TiDB Cloud operations.

![demo_203_overview.jpg 85%](https://lab-static.pingcap.com/images/2025/12/2/2094db7562f7bf21d6f86252ac1f0d9488e67931.jpg)

### The reasons for choosing TiDB

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sb-aNpMx0Fs?si=nRpUG5mJ7vLjOa3U" title="Video: Why Choosing TiDB" data-labs-hide-label="Close Video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

### Tasks

- Connect to a TiDB Cloud Starter cluster and issue queries from MySQL Client.
- Review key compatibility considerations between TiDB and MySQL.
- See how TiDB eliminates the need for manual sharding.
- Speed up analytical queries by using the columnar storage option TiFlash.
- Explore the auto-embedding and semantic search features that make TiDB Cloud "Generative AI applications ready".
- Understand how Non-Blocking Online DDL allows you to perform schema changes without downtime.
- Learn how Request Units (RUs) simplify and automate resource provisioning and scaling.
- Leverage database branches to accelerate innovation in parallel.

### Start the Lab

- If the **`Redeem`** button appears in the left navigation pane, please click it to redeem this lab using your lab credits before proceeding. Alternatively, you can use the lab code provided by your instructor in the top-right profile menu to redeem the lab.
- In the left navigation pane, click the **`Region`** dropdown and choose your preferred cloud provider and region for the lab. Follow your instructor's guidance if required.
- Click **`Authorize`** to select a personal TiDB Cloud organization and project for this hands-on lab. Do NOT choose a production environment.
- In the **`Select Starter Cluster`** section, you can either create a new cluster by selecting **`Create New Cluster`**, or choose an existing non-production cluster marked with a green thumb icon (which indicates that the cluster is in the same region as the one you selected for this lab). For example:

  ![select-starter-cluster.jpg 40%](https://lab-static.pingcap.com/images/2025/11/18/595576a52cdeceea38b55b23a93a901c11e8cc20.jpg)

- Click **`Start`** to launch the lab environment.
  - TiDB Labs will assign you an Ubuntu virtual machine in your selected region, from which you can access the TiDB Cloud Starter cluster.
  - If you chose **`Create New Cluster`**, a new free TiDB Cloud Starter cluster will be created under your own TiDB Cloud account.
  - Once the environment is ready, you can click **`Next`** on the bottom to follow the lab guide step-by-step to complete the practice.