How to install MariaDB server on Windows

MariaDB is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) that has gained popularity due to its robust features, high performance, and strong commitment to open-source values. It is a fork of MySQL, created by the original MySQL developers after Oracle acquired MySQL in 2010. MariaDB is designed to be a drop-in replacement for MySQL, ensuring compatibility with existing applications and tools. Over the years, MariaDB has continued to improve its features, performance, and security, making it an excellent choice for various applications, including web and enterprise applications.

Installing MariaDB server on a Windows operating system is a straightforward process that can be done using the provided MSI installer. The installer not only sets up the MariaDB server but also includes additional tools and components necessary for managing and interacting with the database server. This guide will walk you through the process of installing MariaDB server on a Windows machine step-by-step, from downloading the installer to configuring the server.

Before starting the installation process, ensure that your Windows operating system meets the minimum system requirements for MariaDB. A compatible operating system and hardware resources, such as RAM and disk space, are crucial for a smooth installation and running of the MariaDB server. This guide assumes you are using a Windows operating system that is supported by the MariaDB installer. Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process of installing MariaDB server on Windows.

1. Go to the MariaDB downloads page (https://mariadb.org/download/) and select the latest stable version of MariaDB for Windows.
2. Scroll down to the “MariaDB Server” section and select the “Windows” platform.
3. Select the MSI package that matches your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). For example, if you have a 64-bit system, select the “Microsoft Windows (x86_64) 64-bit” package.
4. Download the MSI package to your computer.
5. Double-click the downloaded MSI package to start the installation wizard.
6. Click “Next” to proceed with the installation.
7. Read and accept the license agreement, then click “Next”.
8. Choose the installation type. For a typical installation, select “Complete”, which installs all components. Click “Next”.
9. Choose the data directory where MariaDB will store its data. You can accept the default location or choose a different one. Click “Next”.
10. Set the root password for the MariaDB Server. Make sure to remember the password or save it in a safe place. Click “Next”.
11. Choose the port number that MariaDB Server will use for connections. The default port number is 3306, but you can choose a different one if necessary. Click “Next”.
12. Choose the character set that MariaDB will use. You can accept the default value or choose a different one. Click “Next”.
13. Choose the service name and description for MariaDB Server. You can accept the default values or choose custom ones. Click “Next”.
14. Review the installation summary and click “Install” to start the installation.
15. Wait for the installation to complete. This may take a few minutes.
16. Click “Finish” to complete the installation.
17. Optional: To verify that the installation was successful, you can open the command prompt and type “mysql -u root -p” to connect to the MariaDB Server using the root account and the password you set during installation. If you can connect successfully, the installation was successful.