Installing MySQL 5.7 on Ubuntu 20.04: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re setting up a database for your application or exploring the world of relational database management systems, MySQL 5.7 is a robust choice. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing MySQL 5.7 on an Ubuntu 20.04 system, explaining each command along the way.

Step 1: Update Package List

Before diving into the installation, let’s ensure our package list is up-to-date. Open a terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt update

This command fetches the latest information about available packages from the repositories.

Step 2: Install MySQL Server

Now, let’s install the MySQL server package. Execute the following command:

sudo apt install mysql-server

This command installs the MySQL server on your system.

Step 3: Secure MySQL Installation

MySQL comes with a security script to help us secure the installation. Run the script with the following command:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

This script prompts you to set a root password, remove anonymous users, disallow root login remotely, remove the test database, and reload privilege tables.

Step 4: Check MySQL Service Status

Ensure that the MySQL service is running by executing:

sudo systemctl status mysql

This command provides information about the MySQL service, including whether it’s active or inactive.

Step 5: Access MySQL Shell

Let’s access the MySQL shell to interact directly with the database:

mysql -u root -p

This command opens the MySQL shell for the root user. You’ll be prompted to enter the root password.

Step 6: (Optional) Install MySQL Client

If you need to connect to MySQL from another machine or run commands remotely, you can install the MySQL client:

sudo apt install mysql-client

This step is optional and is particularly useful if you plan to manage your MySQL server from a different location.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed MySQL 5.7 on your Ubuntu 20.04 system. Feel free to explore the capabilities of MySQL for your database needs.

Remember that software versions and installation steps may change, so always refer to the official documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Happy coding!