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How to Install MySQL on Linux Mint

MySQL is a popular open-source relational database management system that allows you to store and manage large amounts of data effectively. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of installing MySQL on Linux Mint.

Prerequisites:​

  1. A Linux Mint operating system (version 19 or higher).
  2. Access to a terminal with administrative privileges.

Step 1: Update System Packages​

Before installing MySQL, it is essential to ensure that your system is up to date. Open the terminal and execute the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

These commands will update the package lists and upgrade any installed packages.

Step 2: Install MySQL Server​

To install MySQL server on Linux Mint, use the following command:

sudo apt install mysql-server

During the installation process, you will be prompted to enter a root password for the MySQL server. Choose a strong password and remember it as you will need it later for administrative tasks.

Step 3: Secure the MySQL Installation​

To secure your MySQL installation and remove potentially dangerous default settings, run the following command:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

You will be prompted to enter the root password you set during the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the security options. It is recommended to answer "Y" to all the questions unless you have specific requirements.

Step 4: Start and Enable MySQL Service​

By default, MySQL server is not started automatically after installation. Use the following commands to start and enable the MySQL service:

sudo systemctl start mysql
sudo systemctl enable mysql

These commands will start the MySQL service and configure it to start automatically on system boot.

Step 5: Verify MySQL Installation​

To check if MySQL is installed and running correctly, execute the following command:

sudo systemctl status mysql

If MySQL is running without any issues, you will see an output indicating that the service is active and running.

Step 6: Access MySQL Command Line Interface​

To access the MySQL command line interface, use the following command:

mysql -u root -p

You will be prompted to enter the root password you set during the installation. After entering the password correctly, you will be greeted with the MySQL prompt.

Step 7: Test MySQL Installation​

Let's perform a simple test to ensure that MySQL is functioning correctly. Execute the following commands in the MySQL command line interface:

CREATE DATABASE testdb;
USE testdb;
CREATE TABLE users (id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY, name VARCHAR(50));
INSERT INTO users (name) VALUES ('John');
SELECT * FROM users;

These commands create a database named "testdb," a table named "users," insert a record into the table, and finally select all records from the table. If everything is working as expected, you should see the record you inserted in the output.

Conclusion​

Congratulations! You have successfully installed MySQL on your Linux Mint system. You can now utilize the power of MySQL to manage and store your data effectively. Remember to explore the vast range of MySQL features and functionalities to maximize its potential for your project.

Note: It is crucial to keep your MySQL installation up to date with the latest security patches and updates. Regularly check for updates and follow the official MySQL documentation for best practices.

Happy MySQLing!