How to Install MySQL on Linux?

18 minutes read

To install MySQL on Linux, you can follow the steps below:

  1. Open your terminal or command prompt on the Linux machine.
  2. Update the package list by running the command: sudo apt update This will ensure that your system has the latest information about available packages.
  3. Install MySQL by running the following command: sudo apt install mysql-server This command will install the MySQL server on your Linux machine.
  4. During the installation process, you will be prompted to set a password for the MySQL root user. Choose a strong password and remember it as you'll need it later.
  5. After the installation is complete, you can start the MySQL service by running the following command: sudo systemctl start mysql
  6. To enable MySQL to start automatically on system boot, run the command: sudo systemctl enable mysql
  7. MySQL should now be installed and running on your Linux machine. To check if it's working, you can run the following command: sudo systemctl status mysql If everything is set up correctly, you should see the status as "active (running)".
  8. To access the MySQL shell, where you can run SQL queries, type the following command: mysql -u root -p You will be prompted to enter the password you set for the MySQL root user during installation.


That's it! You have successfully installed MySQL on your Linux machine. You can now use it to manage databases and perform various tasks related to data storage and retrieval.

Best MySQL Managed Hosting Providers in 2024

1
Vultr

Rating is 5 out of 5

Vultr

  • Ultra-fast Intel Core
  • High Performance and Cheap Cloud Dedicated Servers
  • 1 click install Wordpress
  • Low Price and High Quality
2
Digital Ocean

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Digital Ocean

  • Active Digital Community
  • Simple Control Panel
  • Starting from 5$ per month


How to import a SQL dump file in MySQL on Linux?

To import a SQL dump file in MySQL on Linux, you can follow these steps:

  1. Open the terminal on your Linux system.
  2. Make sure you have MySQL installed. If not, you can install it using the package manager for your Linux distribution. For example, on Ubuntu, you can run the command: sudo apt-get install mysql-server.
  3. Locate the SQL dump file you want to import. It should have a .sql extension.
  4. Move the SQL dump file to a directory accessible from the terminal, such as your home directory.
  5. Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where the SQL dump file is located. You can use the cd command to change directories.
  6. Once you're in the correct directory, use the following command to import the SQL dump file: mysql -u username -p database_name < dump_file.sql Replace username with your MySQL username, database_name with the name of the database where you want to import the data, and dump_file.sql with the name of your SQL dump file.
  7. Press Enter and you'll be prompted to enter your MySQL password.
  8. The SQL dump file will be imported, and you'll see the progress and any errors, if they occur.
  9. Once the import is complete, you can verify the data in the database using MySQL tools or by connecting to the database using a client.


Note: Make sure you have the necessary privileges to import the dump file and create a database or tables if required.


How to install MySQL on Linux using terminal?

To install MySQL on Linux using the terminal, you can follow the below steps:

  1. Open your terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for "Terminal" in your applications menu.
  2. Update the package lists by running the following command:
1
sudo apt update


  1. Install the MySQL server package by running the following command:
1
sudo apt install mysql-server


  1. During the installation, you will be prompted to set a password for the MySQL "root" user. Enter a strong password and remember it as you will need it for future logins.
  2. After the installation is complete, start the MySQL service by running the following command:
1
sudo systemctl start mysql


  1. Verify if the MySQL service has started correctly by running the following command:
1
sudo systemctl status mysql


You should see a "active (running)" status indicating that the service is running.

  1. To ensure the MySQL service starts automatically at boot time, run the following command:
1
sudo systemctl enable mysql


  1. You can also secure the MySQL installation by running the security script:
1
sudo mysql_secure_installation


Follow the prompts to further secure your MySQL installation. This includes removing anonymous users, disallowing remote root login, removing test databases, and reloading privilege tables. You can choose "Y" or "N" based on your preferences.


MySQL should now be successfully installed on your Linux system.


How to enable query caching in MySQL on Linux?

To enable query caching in MySQL on Linux, you can follow these steps:

  1. Open the MySQL configuration file in a text editor. The configuration file is usually located at /etc/mysql/my.cnf or /etc/my.cnf.
  2. Look for the [mysqld] section in the configuration file. If it does not exist, you can add it at the end of the file.
  3. Add the following lines to the [mysqld] section to enable query caching: query_cache_type = 1 query_cache_size = 128M query_cache_limit = 2M query_cache_type = 1 enables the query cache. query_cache_size = 128M sets the size of the query cache to 128 megabytes. You can adjust this value according to your system's memory capacity. query_cache_limit = 2M sets the maximum size of a single query that can be cached to 2 megabytes. Again, this value can be adjusted as per your needs.
  4. Save the configuration file and exit the text editor.
  5. Restart the MySQL service to apply the changes. You can use the following command to restart MySQL: sudo systemctl restart mysql If you're not using systemd, you can use a different command appropriate for your Linux distribution.
  6. After restarting, the query cache will be enabled and ready to use in MySQL on Linux. You can verify its status by executing the following SQL command: SHOW VARIABLES LIKE 'query_cache%'; The output should show query_cache_type, query_cache_size, and query_cache_limit with the values you set.


Note: Query caching can improve the performance of certain types of queries, but it may not always be beneficial for all scenarios. Be sure to consider the specific needs of your application before enabling query caching.

Best MySQL Database Books to Read in 2024

1
Murach's MySQL (3rd Edition)

Rating is 5 out of 5

Murach's MySQL (3rd Edition)

2
Learning MySQL: Get a Handle on Your Data

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Learning MySQL: Get a Handle on Your Data

3
MySQL Crash Course: A Hands-on Introduction to Database Development

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

MySQL Crash Course: A Hands-on Introduction to Database Development

4
PHP & MySQL: Server-side Web Development

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

PHP & MySQL: Server-side Web Development

5
MySQL Cookbook: Solutions for Database Developers and Administrators

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

MySQL Cookbook: Solutions for Database Developers and Administrators

6
The MySQL Workshop: A practical guide to working with data and managing databases with MySQL

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

The MySQL Workshop: A practical guide to working with data and managing databases with MySQL

7
Murach's PHP and MySQL (4th Edition)

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Murach's PHP and MySQL (4th Edition)

8
High Performance MySQL: Proven Strategies for Operating at Scale

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

High Performance MySQL: Proven Strategies for Operating at Scale

9
MySQL(TM): The Complete Reference

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

MySQL(TM): The Complete Reference


What are the common error logs in MySQL on Linux?

The common error logs in MySQL on Linux are as follows:

  1. Error Log: This log file records all error messages related to MySQL server errors, such as startup errors, runtime errors, and critical errors. The default location for this log file is typically /var/log/mysql/error.log.
  2. Slow Query Log: This log file records queries that take longer than a specified amount of time to execute. It helps in identifying and optimizing slow queries. The default location for this log file is typically /var/log/mysql/mysql-slow.log.
  3. Binary Log: This log file contains a record of all changes made to the database, including inserts, updates, and deletes. It is mainly used for point-in-time recovery, replication, or auditing purposes. The default location for this log file is typically /var/log/mysql/mysql-bin.log.
  4. General Query Log: This log file records all client queries received by the server, which can help in troubleshooting and analyzing the database activity. However, enabling this log can impact performance. The default location for this log file is typically /var/log/mysql/mysql.log.


Note: The exact file names and locations might vary depending on the Linux distribution, MySQL version, and the configuration set by the system administrator.


How to download MySQL package for Linux?

To download the MySQL package for Linux, you can follow these steps:

  1. Open Terminal on your Linux machine.
  2. Update the package index by running the command: sudo apt-get update (For Debian-based systems like Ubuntu) or sudo yum update (For Red Hat-based systems like CentOS).
  3. Install MySQL by running the command: sudo apt-get install mysql-server (For Debian-based systems) or sudo yum install mysql-server (For Red Hat-based systems).
  4. During the installation, you will be prompted to set a root password for MySQL. Choose a secure password and remember it as you will need it to access MySQL.
  5. Once the installation is complete, you can start the MySQL service by running the command: sudo systemctl start mysql (For systems using Systemd) or sudo service mysqld start (For systems using SysV init).
  6. To verify that MySQL is running, you can check the service status by running the command: sudo systemctl status mysql (For systems using Systemd) or sudo service mysqld status (For systems using SysV init).
  7. To access the MySQL command-line interface, you can use the command: mysql -u root -p. It will prompt you to enter the root password you set during the installation.
  8. Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded and installed the MySQL package on your Linux system.


How to backup MySQL databases on Linux?

There are several ways to backup MySQL databases on Linux. Here are three common methods:

  1. Using the mysqldump command: Open a terminal and log in as the root user or a user with sufficient privileges to access the databases. Run the following command to create a backup of a specific database: mysqldump -u username -p database_name > /path/to/backup_file.sql Replace "username" with your MySQL username, "database_name" with the name of the database you want to backup, and "/path/to/backup_file.sql" with the desired location and filename for the backup file. You will be prompted to enter your MySQL password. Once entered, the backup will be created and saved in the specified location.
  2. Using the MySQL Command-Line Client: Open a terminal and log in as the root user or a user with sufficient privileges to access the databases. Launch the MySQL Command-Line Client by running the following command: mysql -u username -p Replace "username" with your MySQL username. You will be prompted to enter your MySQL password. Once logged in to the client, run the following command to create a backup of a specific database: mysql> USE database_name; mysql> SOURCE /path/to/backup_file.sql; Replace "database_name" with the name of the database you want to backup, and "/path/to/backup_file.sql" with the location and filename of the backup file. The backup will be created and restored from the SQL file.
  3. Using a GUI tool like phpMyAdmin: If phpMyAdmin is not already installed, you can install it using the package manager of your Linux distribution. Open a web browser and access the phpMyAdmin interface by entering the URL: http://localhost/phpmyadmin Log in using your MySQL credentials. Select the database you want to backup from the left-side navigation pane. Click on the "Export" tab in the top menu. Select the desired export settings, such as the format (e.g., SQL or CSV), tables to include, etc. Click on the "Go" button to initiate the backup process. The backup file will be downloaded to your local system.


Note: It's important to regularly test your backups to ensure they can be successfully restored.


What are the different authentication methods in MySQL on Linux?

There are several different authentication methods available in MySQL on Linux:

  1. Native authentication: This is the default authentication method used in MySQL. It stores user credentials in the mysql.user table in the mysql system database.
  2. MySQL Native Password: This authentication method uses a password hashing algorithm to securely store passwords in the mysql.user table. It is the most commonly used authentication method in MySQL.
  3. MySQL Legacy Authentication: This authentication method uses the mysql_old_password hashing algorithm, which is compatible with older versions of MySQL. It is available for backward compatibility but is not recommended for use in newer installations.
  4. SHA-256: This authentication method uses the SHA-256 hashing algorithm to securely store passwords in the mysql.user table. It provides stronger security than the native password authentication method.
  5. PAM (Pluggable Authentication Modules): PAM is a flexible authentication framework that allows you to authenticate users using various methods, such as LDAP, Kerberos, or Unix system accounts. You can configure MySQL to use PAM for authentication.
  6. LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol): LDAP is a protocol used to access and manage information in a directory service. MySQL can be configured to use LDAP for user authentication, allowing you to use an LDAP server to store and manage MySQL user accounts.
  7. SSL/TLS Certificates: MySQL can use SSL/TLS certificates to authenticate clients connecting to the server. This method provides secure communication between the server and client, ensuring that the client is trusted.


Note that the availability of these authentication methods may vary depending on the MySQL version and the specific Linux distribution being used.


What is the default port used by MySQL on Linux?

The default port used by MySQL on Linux is 3306.


What are the system requirements for installing MySQL on Linux?

The system requirements for installing MySQL on Linux include:

  1. Operating System: MySQL supports a wide range of Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, and Debian. Ensure that you have a supported version of the operating system.
  2. Storage: MySQL requires enough disk space to store data and log files. The exact amount depends on your specific usage, but a general recommendation is to have at least 1 GB of free disk space.
  3. Memory: MySQL performance is greatly influenced by the available memory. It is recommended to have a minimum of 2 GB of RAM, but more is recommended for better performance.
  4. Processor: MySQL runs on any system with a compatible CPU architecture. However, a multicore processor is recommended for better performance, especially when dealing with large databases and heavy workloads.
  5. Networking: Ensure that your Linux system is connected to a network, as MySQL is frequently accessed over the network.
  6. Dependencies: MySQL has certain dependencies, such as the C++ compiler, make, Perl, and other development libraries. Make sure these dependencies are met before installing MySQL.


It is important to review the specific requirements of your desired Linux distribution and MySQL version to ensure compatibility. The official MySQL documentation provides detailed information on the system requirements for different Linux distributions.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram Whatsapp Pocket

Related Posts:

To find MySQL usernames and passwords, you can check the following locations:MySQL Configuration File: The usernames and passwords for MySQL are usually specified in the &#34;my.cnf&#34; or &#34;my.ini&#34; configuration file. This file can be found in differe...
The MySQL config file contains important configuration settings for the MySQL database server. The location of the MySQL config file depends on the operating system you are using.On Unix-based systems (such as Linux and macOS), the MySQL config file is typical...
To install MySQL on Arch Linux, follow these steps:Open a terminal window.Update the system by running the following command: sudo pacman -Syu Install the MySQL package by executing the command: sudo pacman -S mysql During the installation process, you will be...