Running a MySQL server on your Windows machine allows you to develop, test, and host database-driven applications locally. This setup is valuable for developers to experiment without affecting live databases. It provides a safe environment for testing and learning.
MySQL is a widely-used open-source relational database management system (RDBMS). It offers a MySQL Installer for Windows that simplifies the installation process. This installer provides an easy interface for installing, updating, and managing various MySQL products, including the MySQL Server, on Windows systems.
This guide outlines the steps to install and configure the MySQL Server on a Windows machine. After following the steps, you will have MySQL up and running for local development or production use.
Steps to install MySQL server on Windows:
- Navigate to the official MySQL website to download the MySQL Installer for Windows.
Download the installer from https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/installer/. Choose between the Web Installer (smaller initial download size) or Full Installer (larger file but complete).
- Launch the downloaded installer and provide administrator privileges if prompted.
- Select the setup type.
For most users, selecting “Developer Default” will include the MySQL Server and related tools, such as MySQL Workbench.
- Proceed with the installation and ensure the MySQL Server component is selected.
- Configure the MySQL Server.
During setup, you will be prompted to set a password for the root user, which will have administrative privileges. Optionally, you can create additional users.
- Complete the installation.
After installation, you can choose to launch MySQL Workbench to manage your server, or you can skip and manage the server using the command line.
- Start the MySQL Server.
You can start the server through the Start Menu by searching for MySQL, or by going to the Windows Services Manager and starting the service from there.
- Verify the installation by connecting to the server.
$ mysql -u root -p Enter password: Welcome to the MySQL monitor. Commands end with ; or \g. Your MySQL connection id is 10 Server version: 8.0.26 MySQL Community Server - GPL Type 'help;' or '\h' for help. Type '\c' to clear the current input statement.
Use the root password you set during installation to log in.
Mohd Shakir Zakaria is an experienced cloud architect with a strong development and open-source advocacy background. He boasts multiple certifications in AWS, Red Hat, VMware, ITIL, and Linux, underscoring his expertise in cloud architecture and system administration.
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