How to Install MySQL on Ubuntu?

MySQL is one of the most popular open-source database management systems used by developers worldwide. Setting up MySQL on Ubuntu helps you manage your data efficiently for web applications, projects, or development environments. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough to help you install MySQL on Ubuntu, ensuring you are ready to store and retrieve data seamlessly.

Why Install MySQL on Ubuntu?

• MySQL is free, reliable and widely supported.
• It works smoothly with many programming languages and tools.
• Perfect for developing database-driven applications.
• Ubuntu is a common server environment, making this combo popular.

Downloading MySQL in Ubuntu involves several steps, by following these steps with proper caution we can easily Get Ubuntu MySQL installed, the steps are as follows:

Step 1: Update the Package Repository

This is the first step. In this step we update the Package Repository because in Ubuntu we have to perform this step manually so that the Latest Repositories are loaded for installation and updation, to do this we will open the terminal and write the following command:

sudo apt update

Output:

Step 2: Install MySQL Package

Now we will have to perform the important step, in this step, we write the following Linux Command that will download and Install the MySQL Package into our system:

sudo apt install mysql-server

Output:

Step 3: Verify MySQL Installation

After the above command runs successfully, you can run the below command to check if the MySQL is installed or not:

mysqld –version

Output:

Step 4: Secure the MySQL on Ubuntu

Now once we have verified whether we have Installed MySQL or not, we will need to secure MySQL, we will have first to run the following Ubuntu Command:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Output:

Step 5: Secure the MySQL - Password Validation

After running the above command, you will see an interface similar to below, when this appears type "Y" to proceed. Now the user can choose the security level (0 = lowest, 1 = medium, 2 = strong).

Note: After this, if you have already set password for root user, it will ask for that password (like in my case) otherwise it will ask you to create new password for root user.

Step 6: Secure the MySQL - Removal of Anonymous Users

After this it will ask you whether you want to remove the anonymous users or not, if you don't know what this does, it will simply clear any anonymous users to improve security, so again type "Y".

Output:

Step 7: Secure the MySQL - Disable the Root Login Remotely

Now for enhancing the security of the MySQL further, we will have to disable the root login remotely option, for this simply type "Y" when it prompts you to disable the login remotely feature.

Step 8: Secure the MySQL - Removal of Test Database

In this step, you can either type "Y" or "N" depending on whether you want to delete or remove the test Database, if you do not need any test database then type "Y":

Output:

Step 9: Checking if MySQL Service is Running or Not

Now once all of the above security steps are completed, we will need to check whether the MySQL service is running or not, we can run the following command:

sudo systemctl status mysql

Output:

Step 10: Login Into the MySQL Server

After checking whether the MySQL server is running or not, we can log in to MySQL whenever we want by running the following command:

sudo mysql -u root

This will give us the following output once we have logged in:

Enter the root password you set during the secure installation. Once logged in, you can start creating and managing your databases.

Conclusion

Installing MySQL on Ubuntu is straightforward and essential for developers who want to manage databases efficiently. By following this comprehensive guide to install MySQL on Ubuntu, you have established a robust database management system. Whether for web applications or data-driven projects, MySQL on Ubuntu empowers you with scalable and reliable database solutions.