Installing MySQL Server

Downloading MySQL

Visit the official MySQL community downloads page and choose MySQL Community Server for your operating system. On Windows, the MSI installer is the easiest path; on Linux you normally use the package manager; on macOS the DMG or Homebrew works well.

Installing on Windows

1. Run the MSI installer and choose Server only for a plain server.
2. Select a setup type and accept the default TCP port 3306.
3. Set a strong root password. Do not forget it.
4. Choose whether MySQL should run as a Windows service.
5. Finish the wizard, then open MySQL Workbench to connect.

Installing on Ubuntu / Debian

sudo apt update
sudo apt install mysql-server
sudo systemctl enable --now mysql
sudo mysql_secure_installation
sudo mysql -u root -p

Verifying the Install

mysql --version
mysqladmin -u root -p status

You should see the version string and server uptime. If the service will not start, check the error log at /var/log/mysql/error.log on Linux.

Connecting to the Server

mysql -u root -p

Once connected you are inside the MySQL monitor and can run SQL statements directly. Type exit to leave.

Key Points

• MySQL listens on TCP port 3306 by default.
• Use mysql_secure_installation to remove insecure defaults.
• MySQL Workbench is the official graphical client.
• Verify with mysqladmin status after install.