Install MySQL on Ubuntu

To install MySQL on Ubuntu, run sudo apt install mysql-server, then secure and verify the installation.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get MySQL up and running on Ubuntu (works for versions like 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04):

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🛠️ Step-by-Step Installation

1. Update your package index

   sudo apt update
   

2. Install MySQL Server

   sudo apt install mysql-server
   

   • This installs the latest MySQL version available in Ubuntu’s repositories (typically MySQL 8.0).
3. Start and enable MySQL service

   sudo systemctl start mysql
   sudo systemctl enable mysql
   

4. Secure the installation

   sudo mysql_secure_installation
   

   • You’ll be prompted to set a root password, remove anonymous users, disallow remote root login, and remove test databases. Answer based on your security needs.
5. Verify MySQL is running

   sudo systemctl status mysql
   

   • You should see active (running) in the output.
6. Log into MySQL

   sudo mysql
   

   • This logs you in as root. You can now create databases, users, and manage your server.

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🔐 Optional 1: Set the MySQL root password

1. Log into MySQL as root

   sudo mysql
   

2. Run the following SQL commands

   ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED WITH mysql_native_password BY 'your_new_password';
   FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
   

3. Exit MySQL

   EXIT;
   

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🔐 Optional 2: Create a MySQL User and Database

CREATE DATABASE myapp;
CREATE USER 'myuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'mypassword';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON myapp.* TO 'myuser'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

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🧠 Tips & Best Practices

• Use strong passwords for MySQL users.
• Restrict remote access unless absolutely necessary.
• Back up your databases regularly.
• Consider using DigitalOcean Managed Databases or similar if you want automated backups and scaling.

Would you like help configuring MySQL for a specific app stack like LAMP or Node.js?