Using mysql database

[raymadigan]

I am new to Qt and am trying to use the mysql database on a windows installation. I have already spent too much time and can't sort it out.

I have QTPLUGIN += qsqlmysql and QT += sql in the .pro file. When I load the project I get a message. two of them that it is redundant. It isn't any better when I leave the line out. I checked in the plugin directory and it is there.

I also have the -llibmysql entry added to the LIBS's path
win32:CONFIG(release, debug|release): LIBS += -L"C:/Program Files/MariaDB 10.1/lib/" -llibmysql

The application seems to build correctly.

my database access is copied from somewhere:

bool createConnection()
{
    QSqlDatabase db = QSqlDatabase::addDatabase("QMYSQL");
    db.setHostName("localhost");
    db.setDatabaseName("testdb");
    db.setUserName("root");
    db.setPassword("rmsipw");
    if (!db.open()) {
        qDebug() << "Database error occurred";
        return false;
    }
    return true;
}

bool createConnection()
{
    QSqlDatabase db = QSqlDatabase::addDatabase("QMYSQL");
    db.setHostName("localhost");
    db.setDatabaseName("testdb");
    db.setUserName("root");
    db.setPassword("rmsipw");
    if (!db.open()) {
        qDebug() << "Database error occurred";
        return false;
    }
    return true;
}

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when it runs I get:
QSqlDatabase: QMYSQL driver not loaded
QSqlDatabase: available drivers: QSQLITE QODBC QODBC3
Database error occurred
Not Connected:

Edit:
It is way more complicated then this: My application wants to compile with an old version of mingw on my machine. Even though the default kit is Desktop Qt 5.7.0 MSVC2013 64bit is the default Kit?