title: Access non-wordpress database from plugin
body: <p>I'm trying to access a 'non-wordpress' database from a WordPress plugin that I am writing. I know that you can access the Wordpress database by using the <code>&lt;?php $wpdb-&gt;query('query'); ?&gt;</code> hook. I can't find anything on how to access other local databases. </p>
  
  <p>So if I have another database called <code>zipcodes</code>, how would I access it? Is there a hook for it? I've done some searching and haven't seen much on this subject. </p>
  
  <p>Thanks!</p>