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Installing MySQL: Step-by-Step Guide for Ubuntu 22.04

What will you learn in this guide?​

In this guide, you will install MySQL 8.x on Ubuntu 22.04.
You will secure the installation, create users and learn service management.

🧠 Technical Summary​

This guide explains how to install MySQL in Ubuntu.
The goal is to establish a production-ready and secure database environment.
Steps: Setup → Security → User → Test → Firewall.

Prerequisites​

  • Ubuntu 22.04 or later
  • sudo authorized user
  • UFW is active and SSH is on
  • 1 GB RAM (2 GB+ recommended for prod)

1. MySQL Installation​

  1. Update the package list:
sudo apt update
  • This command refreshes the repository list.
  1. Install MySQL server:

sudo apt install mysql-server
  • This command installs MySQL 8.x.

Start the service:


sudo systemctl start mysql
  • This command runs the MySQL service.

2. Checking MySQL Service​

  1. Check service status:

sudo systemctl status mysql
  • You should see active (running) in the output.

3. Configuring Root Security​

  1. Enter the MySQL shell:

sudo mysql
  • This command connects as root.
  1. Change root authentication to password:

ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost'
IDENTIFIED WITH mysql_native_password BY 'GucluBirSifre';
  • This process protects root access with a password.

Sign out:


exit
  1. Run the security wizard:

sudo mysql_secure_installation
  • This command:

  1. Removes weak settings

  2. Deletes the test database

  3. Turns off root remote access

4. Creating a User for the Application​

  1. Re-enter MySQL:

sudo mysql
  • Create new user:

CREATE USER 'appuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'GucluSifre';
  • This command defines the user for the application.
  1. Create database:

CREATE DATABASE appdb;
  • This command creates a new database.

Authorize:


GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON appdb.* TO 'appuser'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
  • This step only provides access to the required database.

Sign out:


exit

5. Testing MySQL Installation​

  1. Connect with new user:

mysql -u appuser -p
  • This command tests user authentication.
  1. List the databases:

SHOW DATABASES;
  • If appdb is visible, the installation is successful.

6. UFW Firewall Configuration​

  1. By default MySQL only listens to localhost.
  • If remote access is required, make IP restrictions.
  1. Allow specific IP:

sudo ufw allow from 203.0.113.10 to any port 3306
  • This command only allows trusted IP.
  • Check the status:

sudo ufw status

7. Service Management​

  1. Restarting MySQL:

sudo systemctl restart mysql
  • Starting at server startup:

sudo systemctl enable mysql

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​

1. Should I use the root user in the application? No. Root is for administration only.

2. Can I open Port 3306 to everyone? No. Only allow certain IPs.

3. What should I do if MySQL does not open? Check /var/log/mysql/error.log file.

4. Which auth method is recommended if I am using PHP? mysql_native_password is more secure for compatibility.

5. If MySQL does not start automatically? Run the systemctl enable mysql command.

Result​

You now have a secure MySQL environment on Ubuntu 22.04. Users are separated, service management is ready, firewall is restricted.

You can install high-performance MySQL infrastructure on GenixNode VDS in minutes 🚀