How to Install MySQL on macOS using Homebrew

Homebrew is a popular package manager for macOS, allowing users to easily install and manage software packages on their Mac. MySQL, an open-source relational database management system, is one such software that can be easily installed using Homebrew. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to install MySQL on macOS using Homebrew.

Prerequisites

• macOS: Ensure you have a compatible version of macOS. Most recent versions should work.
• Command Line Tools (CLT) for Xcode: If you haven’t installed CLT, install it by running the command `xcode-select –install`.
• Homebrew: If you haven’t installed Homebrew yet, you can do so by following the instructions on the official Homebrew website.

Installation Steps

1. Update Homebrew:

Before installing any new software, it’s a good practice to make sure Homebrew is updated. Open Terminal and run:

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brew update 

2. Install MySQL:

Once Homebrew is updated, you can install MySQL with the following command:

brew install mysql 

Homebrew will handle the dependencies and download the required files. Once the installation is complete, you can check the version of MySQL that was installed:

mysql --version 

3. Start the MySQL Server:

By default, MySQL won’t start automatically. You can start it using Homebrew’s services:

brew services start mysql 

If you wish to have MySQL start automatically at login, the above command will take care of that. If you prefer to start and stop MySQL manually, use:

mysql.server start 

And to stop:

mysql.server stop 

4. Secure Your MySQL Installation:

After installing MySQL, it’s recommended to run the security script that comes with it. This script will remove some unsafe default settings and lock down your MySQL installation.

mysql_secure_installation 

You’ll be prompted to set a root password and answer a series of questions. It’s generally safe to answer “yes” to all the prompts.

5. Connect to the MySQL Server:

Now that your MySQL server is up and running, you can connect to it using the MySQL client:

mysql -u root -p 

Enter the root password you set during the security script, and you’ll be presented with the MySQL prompt.

Optional: Install MySQL Workbench

MySQL Workbench is a GUI tool for managing and working with MySQL databases. If you prefer a graphical interface, you can install MySQL Workbench using Homebrew:

brew install --cask mysqlworkbench 

Once installed, you can launch MySQL Workbench from the Applications folder.

Conclusion

Installing MySQL on macOS using Homebrew is a straightforward process. By following the steps above, you’ll have a working MySQL server up and running on your Mac in no time. Remember to regularly backup your data, keep your MySQL version updated, and follow best security practices to ensure the safety and integrity of your data.