diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 35bc11d..e237cb9 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@
 
 Brain Lift helps users understand how their cognitive load affects their learning and performance. Use the NASA Task Load Index to measure and track your cognitive load for different tasks.
 
+Brain Lift uses a PHP server for cost-effective and customizable server-side operations. User data is stored in a secure and reliable MySQL database. The front-end is built with Angular and Ionic, ensuring a responsive and intuitive user interface. These technologies together enhance the user's experience in tracking cognitive load.
+
 ![badmath](https://img.shields.io/github/languages/top/nitrotap/brain-lift)
 ![badmath](https://img.shields.io/github/issues/nitrotap/brain-lift)
 ![badmath](https://img.shields.io/github/forks/nitrotap/brain-lift)  
@@ -54,6 +56,12 @@ Install npm packages
 
 `ionic serve`
 
+### Set up database
+
+Be sure to set up and start the mysql database. Ensure the proper attributes are present in the env.php file. A sample is given in sample.env.php.
+
+In phpmyadmin, run tables.sql to set up the database. Run seeds.sql to add sample data to the database.
+
 ## Usage
 
 To launch development server, go to the client folder and run ionic serve