Installing MySQL on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS: A Complete Guide

MySQL is a robust, scalable, and widely used relational database management system (RDBMS), and it is an essential component for many software applications, especially those that rely on dynamic web content. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to installing MySQL on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, including how to secure the installation and modify authentication settings for production environments.

Prerequisites

• A server running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
• Sudo privileges on the server.

Step 1: Update Your Server

Before installing any new software, update your system’s package list to ensure you have the latest information on available packages and their versions.

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install MySQL Server

Install MySQL by executing the following command:

sudo apt install mysql-server

This command installs the MySQL server package and any other dependencies required.

Step 3: Check MySQL Version

Verify the installation and check the installed version of MySQL:

mysql --version

You should see output similar to mysql Ver 8.0.36-2ubuntu3 for Linux on x86_64 ((Ubuntu)), indicating the version of MySQL installed on your system.

Step 4: Run the Security Script

After installation, run the included security script to tighten security defaults:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

This script will guide you through some security improvements, including setting up a root password if you haven’t already, removing anonymous users, disallowing remote root login, and removing the test database.

Step 5: Changing Authentication Method (Important for Production)

By default, MySQL uses the auth_socket plugin for authenticating the root user, which might not be suitable for production environments where a traditional password method is preferred. To change this:

1. Login to MySQL as root:

sudo mysql

2. Change the authentication method:

Replace 'your_new_password' with a secure password:

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

3. Exit MySQL:

exit

4. Test the new setup:

Now, when you use:

mysql -u root -p

You should be prompted to enter the password you have set, verifying that the password-based authentication is active.

Step 6: Managing MySQL Service

To control the MySQL service on your Ubuntu server:

• Start MySQL Service:

sudo systemctl start mysql.service

• Stop MySQL Service:

sudo systemctl stop mysql.service

• Enable MySQL to Start at Boot:

sudo systemctl enable mysql.service

• Disable MySQL from Starting at Boot:

sudo systemctl disable mysql.service

FAQ: Installing MySQL on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

1. How do I install MySQL on Ubuntu 24.04?
   To install MySQL on Ubuntu 24.04, use the command: sudo apt install mysql-server
2. What’s the process for installing MySQL server on Ubuntu 24.04?
   Update your system, install MySQL using apt, secure the installation, and optionally change the authentication method.
3. Is the installation process different for MySQL 8 on Ubuntu 24.04?
   No, the process is the same. Ubuntu 24.04 typically comes with MySQL 8.x by default.
4. How can I check the MySQL version on Ubuntu 24.04?
   Use the command: mysql –version
5. Can I install MySQL Workbench on Ubuntu 24.04?
   Yes, you can install MySQL Workbench using: sudo apt install mysql-workbench
6. Is MySQL 5.7 available for Ubuntu 24.04?
   MySQL 5.7 is not officially supported on Ubuntu 24.04. It’s recommended to use MySQL 8.x.
7. How do I start MySQL in Ubuntu?
   Use the command: sudo systemctl start mysql.service
8. What’s the command to check if MySQL is running on Ubuntu?
   Use: sudo systemctl status mysql.service
9. How do I secure my MySQL installation on Ubuntu?
   Run the security script with: sudo mysql_secure_installation
10. Can I install MySQL on Ubuntu 24 (shorthand for 24.04)?
    Yes, the process is the same as described for Ubuntu 24.04.
11. How do I install MySQL server on Ubuntu 24.04?
    The command sudo apt install mysql-server installs both the client and server.
12. What’s the process to install WordPress with MySQL on Ubuntu 24.04?
    Install MySQL, create a database, install PHP and Apache, then download and configure WordPress.
13. Is there an LTS version of MySQL?
    MySQL itself doesn’t have LTS versions, but it’s supported on Ubuntu LTS releases.
14. How do I install MySQL in Spanish? (instalar mysql en ubuntu 24.04)
    El proceso es el mismo: sudo apt install mysql-server
15. How can I install MySQL on Ubuntu 24 server edition?
    The process is identical to the desktop version: sudo apt install mysql-server
16. How do I check the MySQL version on Ubuntu?
    Use the command: mysql –version
17. What’s the correct way to install MySQL on Ubuntu?
    Update your system, use apt to install MySQL, then secure the installation.
18. How do I install MySQL Workbench on Ubuntu 24.04?
    Use the command: sudo apt install mysql-workbench
19. How do I start MySQL in Ubuntu after installation?
    Use: sudo systemctl start mysql.service
20. How do I install MySQL on Linux Ubuntu?
    The process is the same as described for Ubuntu 24.04 in this guide.
21. How do I run the MySQL secure installation on Ubuntu?
    Use the command: sudo mysql_secure_installation
22. What’s the command to install MySQL server on Ubuntu?
    The command is: sudo apt install mysql-server
23. How do I install MySQL on Ubuntu in French? (installer mysql ubuntu)
    La commande est la même : sudo apt install mysql-server

Conclusion

With MySQL installed and secured, you are now ready to start developing applications or managing data with one of the most popular RDBMS platforms. The transition from authentication via auth_socket to mysql_native_password is particularly crucial for environments that demand traditional password security, providing you with greater flexibility and security control.