How to Install MySQL on Ubuntu 22.04: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
When building a data-driven application or website, choosing a reliable and powerful database system is critical. MySQL stands out as one of the most widely used open-source relational database management systems in the world. If you're working on a Linux environment, particularly with Ubuntu 22.04, installing MySQL is a necessary step for powering dynamic websites and applications.
In this post, we’ll show you how to Install MySQL on Ubuntu 22.04 in a few easy steps. This guide is perfect for beginners and developers looking for a reliable resource, with insights taken from the official Vultr documentation.
Why Choose MySQL and Ubuntu 22.04?
Ubuntu 22.04, also known as “Jammy Jellyfish,” is a Long-Term Support (LTS) release, offering security updates and support for five years. It's a stable and secure platform for running production-grade applications.
Pairing it with MySQL gives you:
Reliable and fast data processing
Secure user authentication
Cross-platform support
Strong community support
Compatibility with many programming languages and CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal
Prerequisites
Before you begin the installation, make sure you have the following:
A system running Ubuntu 22.04
Access to a user account with sudo privileges
An internet connection
Terminal or SSH access
Step-by-Step: How to Install MySQL on Ubuntu 22.04
1. Update System Repositories
Start by updating your local package index to ensure all packages are up to date:
sudo apt update
2. Install MySQL Server
To install MySQL on your Ubuntu 22.04 system, use the command:
sudo apt install mysql-server
This command installs the MySQL server and related packages automatically.
3. Check MySQL Service Status
Once the installation is complete, verify that the MySQL service is running:
sudo systemctl status mysql
You should see the service marked as active (running).
To start or stop the service manually:
sudo systemctl start mysql
sudo systemctl stop mysql
Securing MySQL Installation
MySQL comes with a built-in script to help you enhance its security:
sudo mysql_secure_installation
This script will guide you through:
Setting the root password
Removing anonymous users
Disabling remote root login
Removing the test database
Reloading privilege tables
It’s highly recommended to answer “yes” to all security prompts unless you have specific requirements.
Logging into MySQL
After the setup, log in to MySQL using:
sudo mysql
You’ll now be in the MySQL shell, where you can run SQL commands.
Creating a Database and User
Here are some basic commands to get started:
Create a database: CREATE DATABASE example_db;
Create a user:
CREATE USER 'example_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'strong_password';
Grant privileges: GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON example_db.* TO 'example_user'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
Exit the shell:
EXIT;
Optional: Enable Remote Access
If you want to access MySQL from another machine, you need to allow remote connections. Open the MySQL config file:
sudo nano /etc/mysql/mysql.conf.d/mysqld.cnf
Find the line:
bind-address = 127.0.0.1
And change it to:
bind-address = 0.0.0.0
Restart MySQL:
sudo systemctl restart mysql
Then update your firewall settings to allow traffic on port 3306.
Uninstall MySQL (If Needed)
To completely remove MySQL from your system:
sudo apt remove --purge mysql-server mysql-client mysql-common
sudo apt autoremove
sudo apt autoclean
Conclusion
Installing MySQL on Ubuntu 22.04 is a simple and straightforward process. Whether you're a web developer, database administrator, or tech enthusiast, this powerful combination provides a stable foundation for any project.
For a detailed reference and further options, you can follow the official Vultr tutorial. Share your experience or troubleshooting tips in the forum to help others on their MySQL journey!



