Install MySQL 8 On Ubuntu 24.04: A Complete Guide

8 min read 11-15- 2024
Install MySQL 8 On Ubuntu 24.04: A Complete Guide

Table of Contents :

Installing MySQL 8 on Ubuntu 24.04 can seem challenging, but this comprehensive guide will walk you through each step with clarity and precision. Whether you're setting up a new database server or upgrading an existing one, this article will cover everything you need to know.

Why Choose MySQL 8?

MySQL 8 offers significant improvements over previous versions, including better performance, enhanced security features, and support for new data types. With its advanced features such as window functions, common table expressions, and JSON support, MySQL 8 has become a preferred choice for developers and businesses alike. 🚀

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, ensure you have the following:

  • A server running Ubuntu 24.04.
  • A non-root user with sudo privileges.
  • Basic knowledge of the command line interface.

Step 1: Update Your System

To start, make sure your system packages are up to date. This ensures compatibility and security. Run the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Add the MySQL APT Repository

MySQL is available in Ubuntu's default repositories, but to get the latest version, it’s best to add the official MySQL APT repository.

  1. Download the MySQL APT config package:

    wget https://dev.mysql.com/get/mysql-apt-config_0.8.22-1_all.deb
    
  2. Install the downloaded package:

    sudo dpkg -i mysql-apt-config_0.8.22-1_all.deb
    
  3. During the installation, you'll be prompted to select the MySQL version. Choose MySQL 8.0 and press OK. If prompted, select any additional options as per your requirement.

  4. Afterward, run the following command to update your package list:

    sudo apt update
    

Step 3: Install MySQL 8

Now that the repository is set up, you can install MySQL 8 with the following command:

sudo apt install mysql-server -y

This command will install the MySQL server and all required dependencies.

Step 4: Secure MySQL Installation

After installation, it's crucial to secure your MySQL server. MySQL provides a script to help with this:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

During this process, you’ll be prompted to:

  • Set a root password
  • Remove anonymous users
  • Disallow remote root login
  • Remove the test database
  • Reload privilege tables

Make sure to respond to these prompts as per your security needs. It's recommended to enable all security measures.

Step 5: Start and Enable MySQL Service

After installation and securing the server, start the MySQL service and enable it to start on boot:

sudo systemctl start mysql
sudo systemctl enable mysql

Step 6: Verify MySQL Installation

You can verify that MySQL is running properly by checking its status:

sudo systemctl status mysql

If the output shows “active (running)”, congratulations! MySQL is successfully installed and running on your system. 🎉

Step 7: Log in to MySQL

You can now log into the MySQL root account:

sudo mysql -u root -p

Enter the password you set during the secure installation process to gain access to the MySQL command line interface.

Step 8: Configure MySQL (Optional)

You may want to adjust some default settings for optimal performance:

  1. Edit the MySQL configuration file:

    sudo nano /etc/mysql/mysql.conf.d/mysqld.cnf
    
  2. Common configurations include:

    • Changing the default port (3306)
    • Adjusting buffer sizes
    • Modifying default storage engines

Once you've made your changes, save and exit the editor.

  1. Restart MySQL for the changes to take effect:

    sudo systemctl restart mysql
    

Step 9: Create a New User and Database

To create a new database and user, follow these steps in the MySQL command line:

  1. Create a new database:

    CREATE DATABASE example_db;
    
  2. Create a new user and grant privileges:

    CREATE USER 'example_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
    GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON example_db.* TO 'example_user'@'localhost';
    FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
    

Make sure to replace example_db, example_user, and password with your desired database name, username, and password.

Step 10: Backup and Restore MySQL Databases

Regular backups are essential for data safety. You can create a backup of your MySQL database with the following command:

mysqldump -u root -p example_db > example_db_backup.sql

To restore from a backup:

mysql -u root -p example_db < example_db_backup.sql

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While the installation process is usually straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are common problems and their solutions:

  • Error: MySQL service not starting

    Check the error logs located at /var/log/mysql/error.log. This will provide details on why the service failed to start.

  • Access denied for user 'root'@'localhost'

    This usually happens if the root password is incorrect. Use the mysql_secure_installation script to reset it if necessary.

Conclusion

Installing MySQL 8 on Ubuntu 24.04 is a straightforward process when you follow the outlined steps. With its advanced features and reliable performance, MySQL 8 is an excellent choice for both development and production environments. Don't forget to regularly maintain your databases, ensure proper backups, and keep the system updated to leverage the full potential of MySQL. Happy coding! 😊