How to install MySQL or MariaDB on Linux

Topic: Databases core

Install MySQL 8 or MariaDB on Debian, Ubuntu, or RHEL using the official or distro repository. Secure the installation with mysql_secure_installation; create a database and user. Use this when setting up a new database server or when you need MySQL-compatible storage.

Intent: How-to

Quick answer

  • Debian/Ubuntu: apt install mysql-server or mariadb-server. RHEL: dnf install mysql-server or mariadb. Start and enable: systemctl start mysql; systemctl enable mysql (or mariadb).
  • Run mysql_secure_installation: set root password, remove anonymous users, disallow root login remotely, remove test DB. Connect: mysql -u root -p. Create user and DB: CREATE USER 'app'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'x'; CREATE DATABASE mydb; GRANT ALL ON mydb.* TO 'app'@'localhost';
  • Config: /etc/mysql/mysql.conf.d/mysqld.cnf (Debian) or /etc/my.cnf (RHEL). Set bind-address for remote access; use SSL and restrict users by host. Restart after config change.

Steps

  1. Install and start

    apt install mysql-server (or mariadb-server); systemctl start mysql; systemctl enable mysql. RHEL: dnf install mysql-server; systemctl start mysqld; systemctl enable mysqld.

  2. Secure installation

    mysql_secure_installation: set root password, remove anonymous users, remove remote root login, remove test database, reload privileges.

  3. Create database and user

    mysql -u root -p. CREATE DATABASE mydb; CREATE USER 'app'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'secret'; GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON mydb.* TO 'app'@'localhost'; FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

  4. Configure for remote (optional)

    Set bind-address in config; add user 'app'@'%' or 'app'@'10.0.0.%' with GRANT; use SSL. Restart MySQL. Restrict to required IPs; avoid 'app'@'%' with weak password.

Summary

Install MySQL or MariaDB from the distro or official repo; run mysql_secure_installation; create a database and user. Use this when standing up a new MySQL-compatible server.

Prerequisites

  • Root or sudo on a Linux host.

Steps

Step 1: Install and start

Install the server package; start and enable the service.

Step 2: Secure installation

Run mysql_secure_installation; set root password and remove insecure defaults.

Step 3: Create database and user

Create a database and a user with limited host and privileges; grant access to the database.

Step 4: Configure for remote (optional)

Set bind-address and create remote user with restricted host; use SSL in production.

Verification

  • Service is running; root can connect with password; app user can connect and use the database.

Troubleshooting

Access denied — Check user host (localhost vs %); check password; FLUSH PRIVILEGES. Cannot connect remotely — bind-address must allow remote; firewall and user host must allow the client.

Next steps

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