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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install MariaDB Ubuntu Server 23

Are you looking for a comprehensive Mariadb installation guide for your Ubuntu Server? Look no further! In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing MariaDB on Ubuntu Server 23. Whether you prefer the Ubuntu repositories or the official MariaDB repositories, we've got you covered. So let's dive in and get your Ubuntu Server equipped with MariaDB.

What is MariaDB?

MariaDB is a popular open-source relational database management system that serves as a drop-in replacement for MySQL. It offers similar functionalities to MySQL but is developed by the MariaDB Foundation and MySQL developers. With MariaDB, you can efficiently handle complex queries using SQL, making it a reliable choice for managing your data.

When comparing MariaDB to MySQL, it's important to note that both databases are similar in terms of structure and functionality. However, MariaDB is known for its performance optimizations and enhanced features. It also provides excellent documentation on their official website, which can be a valuable resource for users.

MariaDB is a powerful database management system that is becoming increasingly popular among developers and businesses alike. With its compatibility with MySQL and a range of performance improvements, it offers a compelling alternative to other database systems.

Whether you are new to MariaDB or familiar with MySQL, understanding the features and advantages of MariaDB can help you make informed decisions when it comes to managing your data.

Pre-Requisites

Before you can install MariaDB on your Ubuntu server, there are a few pre-requisites that you need to ensure. First and foremost, you should have a server running Ubuntu 18.04 or above. This is important as it ensures compatibility with the installation process. Additionally, you will need administrative privileges to install and configure software on the server.

Having Ubuntu 18.04 or above provides a stable foundation for installing MariaDB and ensures that you have access to the latest features and security updates. Administrative privileges are necessary to execute commands and make changes to the system settings required for the installation process.

By meeting these pre-requisites, you can proceed with confidence to install MariaDB on your Ubuntu server and benefit from its powerful features and capabilities.

Installing MariaDB from Ubuntu Repositories

When it comes to installing MariaDB on Ubuntu, one of the options available is to install it directly from the Ubuntu repositories. This method ensures that you can easily update and manage MariaDB alongside the other packages on your server.

To get started, the first step is to update the packages index on your Ubuntu server. This can be done by running the following command in your terminal: sudo apt update. This will ensure that you have the latest package information available.

Once the packages are up-to-date, you can proceed with the installation of MariaDB using the apt package manager. Simply run the command: sudo apt install mariadb-server. This command will install the MariaDB server on your system and set it up for immediate use.

In the terminal, run: sudo apt update to update the packages index.

Then, run: sudo apt install mariadb-server to install the MariaDB server.

With these simple steps, you can easily install MariaDB from the Ubuntu repositories, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free installation process.

Installing MariaDB from MariaDB Repositories

If you prefer to install MariaDB from the official MariaDB repositories, you have a straightforward option to do so. Here's how to go about it:

  1. Add the MariaDB GPG key to your system using the command: sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver hkp://keyserver.ubuntu.com:80 0xF1656F24C74CD1D8.
  2. Next, add the MariaDB repository by running the command: sudo add-apt-repository 'deb [arch=amd64,arm64,ppc64el] http://mirrors.accretive-networks.net/mariadb/repo/10.3/ubuntu bionic main'.
  3. After adding the repository, update the package list with: sudo apt update.
  4. Finally, install the MariaDB package by running the command: sudo apt install mariadb-server.

By following these steps, you'll be able to install MariaDB on your Ubuntu server directly from the official MariaDB repositories. This method offers its own advantages and may be preferred by those who want to have access to the latest MariaDB versions and updates.

It's important to note that when installing MariaDB from the MariaDB repositories, you must add the GPG key and repository to your system to ensure the installation process goes smoothly. Once the package is installed, you can proceed with configuring and securing your MariaDB installation as needed.

Configuring MariaDB Security

Once you have successfully installed MariaDB on your Ubuntu server, it is essential to configure the security settings to ensure a secure installation. To do this, you can run the security script that comes with MariaDB. This script will guide you through the process of setting a root password, removing anonymous users, disallowing remote root logins, and removing the test database.

To run the security script, open your Ubuntu terminal and execute the following command:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Follow the prompts and answer "Y" for yes when prompted to secure your MariaDB installation. The script will guide you through each step and provide recommendations to enhance the security of your database server.

Secure MariaDB installation in a few simple steps:

  1. Run the security script: Use the command "sudo mysql_secure_installation" in your Ubuntu terminal.
  2. Set a root password: Choose a strong password for the root user, which will be used to administer the database.
  3. Remove anonymous users: This step ensures that only authorized users have access to your database server.
  4. Disallow remote root logins: Restricting root logins from remote hosts adds an extra layer of security.
  5. Remove the test database: Removing the test database eliminates any potential vulnerabilities and unnecessary clutter.

By running the security script and following these steps, you can significantly enhance the security of your MariaDB installation on Ubuntu, ensuring that only authorized users have access to your database server.

Connecting to MariaDB

After successfully installing and configuring MariaDB on your Ubuntu server, you can now connect to the MariaDB server using the MariaDB client. To establish a connection as the root user, open your Ubuntu terminal and enter the following command:

mysql -u root -p

This command will prompt you to enter the root password that you set during the security configuration. Once you've entered the password, you will be logged in to the MariaDB server.

Now that you are connected to MariaDB, you have access to various SQL commands to manage your databases and perform operations. You can create databases, tables, insert data, and retrieve information using SQL queries.

Using the MariaDB Client

The MariaDB client provides an interactive command-line interface for executing SQL commands. Here are a few commonly used commands:

  1. SHOW DATABASES; - This command will display a list of all the databases on the MariaDB server.
  2. USE database_name; - Use this command to select a specific database to work with.
  3. CREATE DATABASE database_name; - Creates a new database with the specified name.
  4. CREATE TABLE table_name (column1 datatype, column2 datatype, ...); - Creates a new table with the specified columns and data types.

These are just a few examples of the commands available in the MariaDB client. You can explore the official MariaDB documentation for more information on how to use the client and execute SQL commands.

Limitations of Installing MariaDB on Ubuntu

When it comes to installing MariaDB on Ubuntu, there are a few limitations that you should be aware of. Firstly, the installation process can be quite technical, requiring some level of technical know-how. It's important to have a good understanding of the installation steps and potential issues that may arise. If you're not familiar with Ubuntu or database management systems, it might be helpful to seek assistance from someone with more experience.

Another limitation is the possibility of conflicts with package versions. Ubuntu packages are regularly updated, and this can sometimes cause compatibility issues when installing MariaDB. It's important to ensure that the package versions you're using are compatible with the version of Ubuntu you're running. If conflicts occur, you may encounter errors during the installation process. Troubleshooting these issues can be time-consuming, so it's advisable to do thorough research or consult with experts to ensure a smooth installation.

Key Limitations of Installing MariaDB on Ubuntu:

  • Technical know-how required
  • Possible conflicts with package versions

Installing MariaDB on Ubuntu can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to be prepared for the limitations that may arise. With the right knowledge and precautions, you can overcome these limitations and successfully install MariaDB on your Ubuntu server.

By being aware of these limitations and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a smoother installation process and minimize the potential for any setbacks. Remember to thoroughly research the installation steps, consult official documentation, and seek assistance if needed. Installing MariaDB on Ubuntu can be a valuable addition to your server, providing you with a robust and reliable database management system.

MariaDB Remote Connection Configuration

By default, MariaDB only accepts connections on the Unix socket and localhost. However, if you want to enable remote access to your MariaDB server, you need to update the bind-address parameter in the MariaDB configuration file. This will allow remote hosts to connect to your MariaDB server.

To update the bind-address parameter, you need to locate the MariaDB configuration file named "50-server.cnf". This file is usually located at /etc/mysql/mariadb.conf.d/ directory.

"sudo nano /etc/mysql/mariadb.conf.d/50-server.cnf"

Once you have the configuration file open, look for the section that starts with [mysqld]. Under this section, you will find the bind-address parameter. By default, it is set to "127.0.0.1", which means only the localhost can connect. To enable remote access, you need to change the value to the IP address of your server or set it to "0.0.0.0" to allow connections from any IP address.

bind-address = 0.0.0.0

After making the changes, save the file and exit the editor. Then, restart the MariaDB service using the following command:

"sudo systemctl restart mariadb"

Your MariaDB server is now configured to accept remote connections. Remember to ensure proper security measures to protect your server from unauthorized access.

MariaDB Database Access From Remote Clients

If you want to allow remote clients to access your MariaDB database, you need to follow a few steps to create a database, create a database user, and grant privileges.

Create a Database

To create a database, you can use the SQL command "CREATE DATABASE". For example, you can run the command "CREATE DATABASE mydatabase;" to create a database called "mydatabase".

Create a Database User

Next, you need to create a database user using the SQL command "CREATE USER". For instance, you can execute the command "CREATE USER 'myuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'mypassword';" to create a user called "myuser" with the password "mypassword".

Grant Privileges

Finally, you need to grant privileges to the database user using the SQL command "GRANT ALL ON database.* TO 'user'@'host' IDENTIFIED BY 'password'". Replace 'user', 'host', 'database', and 'password' with your desired values. For example, you can grant all privileges on the database "mydatabase" to the user "myuser" by running the command "GRANT ALL ON mydatabase.* TO 'myuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'mypassword';".

By following these steps, you can securely grant access to your MariaDB database from remote clients, allowing them to perform operations on the database using the specified user and privileges.

MariaDB Important Configurations

When working with MariaDB, there are several important configurations that you should be aware of. These configurations play a crucial role in the performance and functionality of your MariaDB server. Here are some key configurations to keep in mind:

  1. MariaDB default port: The default port for MariaDB is 3306. This is the port where the MariaDB server listens for incoming connections. It is essential to ensure that this port is open and accessible for clients to connect to the server.
  2. TCP socket file: The TCP socket file for MariaDB is usually located at /run/mysqld/mysqld.sock. This file is used for communication between the client and the MariaDB server. It is important to verify the location of the socket file, especially if you encounter any connection issues.

Additionally, the MariaDB configuration files are stored in the directory /etc/mysql/mariadb.conf.d. These files contain important settings and options that control the behavior of your MariaDB server. It is recommended to have a good understanding of these configuration files and make any necessary changes with caution.

MariaDB Configuration Options

Within the MariaDB configuration files, you'll find various options that allow you to fine-tune the performance and security of your server. Some of the commonly used configuration options include:

  • max_connections: This option specifies the maximum number of concurrent connections allowed to the MariaDB server. Adjusting this value can help optimize resource utilization based on the expected workload.
  • innodb_buffer_pool_size: This option determines the size of the InnoDB buffer pool, which is used for caching frequently accessed data and indexes. Increasing this value can improve the performance of read-intensive workloads.

These are just a few examples of the many configuration options available in MariaDB. It is important to understand the purpose and implications of each option before making any changes to ensure the stability and security of your database environment.

Conclusion

By following this comprehensive MariaDB installation guide, you now have the knowledge and steps to successfully install MariaDB on your Ubuntu server. Whether you choose to install from Ubuntu repositories or the official MariaDB repositories, you can enjoy the benefits of this powerful open-source relational database management system.

Remember to consider the limitations and technical expertise required during the installation process. Troubleshooting any possible conflicts with package versions is also crucial for a smooth installation.

Once installed, you can secure your MariaDB installation by running the provided security script, configure remote access, and create databases and users with appropriate privileges. With these configurations in place, you can efficiently manage your data and perform complex queries using MariaDB.

Now that you have completed the MariaDB installation on Ubuntu, you are ready to unleash the power of this versatile database management system for your projects. Happy database management!

Sys Admin

Sys Admin

I am a Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) and working as an IT Professional since 2012...