javatpoint MySQL How to Install & Set Up

How to Install & Set Up MySQL

MySQL is the heart of data-driven applications — but before you can build powerful web apps or dashboards, you need to install and set it up correctly. This guide will walk you through how to install MySQL on Windows, macOS, and Linux with screenshots, tips, and best practices.

What You’ll Learn

How to install MySQL on Windows, macOS, and Linux

Setting up MySQL Workbench for GUI access

Using the MySQL Command-Line Tool

Verifying the installation and basic connection steps

📥 Installing MySQL on Windows

✅ Step 1: Download the Installer

Go to the official MySQL website:
👉 https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/installer/

Choose:

• MySQL Installer for Windows
• Either the web installer (smaller size) or the full installer

✅ Step 2: Run the Installer

Launch the .msi file and follow these options:

• Choose Developer Default (includes MySQL Server, Workbench, Shell, and more)
• Installer will automatically download and configure dependencies

✅ Step 3: Configure MySQL Server

During setup:

• Set a root password
• Select the port (default: 3306)
• Choose Standalone MySQL Server configuration

💡 Note: Save your root password securely — you’ll need it to access MySQL later.

✅ Step 4: Finish and Launch MySQL Workbench

Once installation is complete:

• Launch MySQL Workbench
• Connect using your root credentials

🍎 Installing MySQL on macOS

✅ Option 1: Using Homebrew (Recommended)

brew update
brew install mysql
brew services start mysql

After installation, run:

mysql_secure_installation

ollow the prompts to set a root password and configure security options.

✅ Option 2: Download the DMG Installer

Download from:
👉 https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/

Install via the .dmg file:

• Includes MySQL server, Startup item, and Preference pane
• Use System Preferences to manage MySQL service

🐧 Installing MySQL on Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

sudo apt update
sudo apt install mysql-server

After installation, run:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Then start the MySQL service:

sudo systemctl start mysql
sudo systemctl enable mysql

To access the MySQL shell:

sudo mysql -u root -p

🖥️ MySQL Workbench: GUI for Visual SQL

MySQL Workbench is a powerful GUI tool for:

• Writing and executing queries
• Visual database design (ER diagrams)
• User management
• Export/import of data

Download it here:
👉 https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/workbench/

⚠️ If you’re a beginner, MySQL Workbench can greatly simplify learning and managing databases.

🧪 Testing Your Installation

Once MySQL is installed, test it:

✔️ From Terminal/Command Line

mysql -u root -p

You should see:

Welcome to the MySQL monitor. Commands end with ; or \g.

✔️ Check MySQL Version

SELECT VERSION();

Sample Output:

+-----------+
| version   |
+-----------+
| 8.0.34    |
+-----------+

🔐 Common Setup Pitfalls

Problem	Solution
Forgot root password	Reset using mysqld --skip-grant-tables
Port 3306 is in use	Change port during setup or close conflicting services
Can’t connect via Workbench	Check firewall settings and ensure MySQL service is running

💡 Pro Tips

• Always use mysql_secure_installation after installation for security hardening.
• Use MySQL Shell (mysqlsh) for modern JSON-based or NoSQL-style queries.
• Install phpMyAdmin for a browser-based admin tool (if you’re using PHP stack).