Rocky Linux 9, a leading enterprise-grade operating system, provides a stable and secure foundation for deploying critical services like MySQL. This tutorial will guide you through the installation of MySQL Community Server on Rocky Linux 9. We will cover enabling the appropriate MySQL module, installing the server packages, performing essential security configurations, and managing the MySQL service. For comprehensive server administration, including ongoing security and performance optimization, consider leveraging Linux Server Support services.
MySQL is a widely adopted open-source relational database management system (RDBMS), essential for a multitude of web applications and software that require robust data storage. By following this guide, you will set up a functional MySQL 8.0 (or newer, as per available stable streams) installation on your Rocky Linux 9 server.
sudo privileges.Ensure you have a sudo-enabled user before proceeding. Standard initial server setup guides for Rocky Linux 9 can provide instructions if needed.
Rocky Linux 9 utilizes AppStreams for software package management, and MySQL is provided as a module. Typically, the latest stable MySQL stream (e.g., MySQL 8.0 or a newer LTS version if available and default) is active. You can verify the available MySQL modules and their current status using:
sudo dnf module list mysql
This command will output a list of MySQL streams, such as mysql:8.0. The [d] flag indicates the default stream, and [e] signifies the enabled stream. For most fresh installations on Rocky Linux 9, the latest stable MySQL stream will be the default and enabled.
If you had a specific requirement to use a different stream (which is generally not recommended unless for specific, understood legacy needs), you would first reset the module and then enable your chosen stream. For example:
# sudo dnf module reset mysql
# sudo dnf module enable mysql:<desired_stream_version>
For this tutorial, we will proceed with the default active MySQL stream, which is typically MySQL 8.0 or a more recent LTS version.
With the appropriate MySQL module stream confirmed as active, you can install the MySQL server packages using the dnf package manager. The @mysql group package is a convenient way to install mysql-community-server along with its dependencies.
sudo dnf install @mysql
You will be prompted to confirm the installation and the list of packages to be downloaded. Press y and then Enter to continue.
Once the installation process is complete, you must start the MySQL service:
sudo systemctl start mysqld
To confirm that the service has started successfully, check its status:
sudo systemctl status mysqld
The output should indicate that the service is active (running).
During its first startup, MySQL generates a temporary password for the root user. This password is vital for the initial security setup and is logged in the MySQL error log. You can retrieve it using the grep command:
sudo grep 'temporary password' /var/log/mysql/mysqld.log
Make a secure note of this temporary password, as it will be required in the next step.
MySQL includes a crucial security script named mysql_secure_installation. This script automates several important security hardening tasks, such as setting a new root password, removing anonymous user accounts, disallowing remote root logins, and removing the default test database.
Execute the script with sudo privileges:
sudo mysql_secure_installation
mysqld.log file.Yes (Y), you will be prompted to select a password validation policy level: 0 (LOW), 1 (MEDIUM), or 2 (STRONG).root user. Ensure you choose a strong, unique password.root login to localhost only is a critical security best practice.Successfully completing these steps will significantly improve the security posture of your MySQL installation. For organizations that require advanced security configurations or ongoing database management, considering professional MySQL support can provide valuable expertise and peace of mind.
After securing your MySQL installation, it is important to test that you can log in using the new root password.
mysql -u root -p
Enter the new root password you configured during the mysql_secure_installation process. A successful login will present you with the MySQL monitor prompt (mysql>).
You can execute a simple command to verify functionality, such as displaying the MySQL server version:
SELECT VERSION();
To exit the MySQL monitor, type:
EXIT;
The MySQL service on Rocky Linux 9 is managed using the systemctl utility.
bash
sudo systemctl start mysqldbash
sudo systemctl stop mysqldbash
sudo systemctl restart mysqldbash
sudo systemctl status mysqldbash
sudo systemctl enable mysqldbash
sudo systemctl disable mysqldYou have now successfully installed and secured MySQL on your Rocky Linux 9 server. Your database server is prepared to support your applications with a reliable data storage solution. It is crucial to implement regular backup procedures and keep your system and MySQL packages updated to maintain security and stability.
For additional information and related tutorials, you may find the following resources helpful:
Proactive database management is key to ensuring optimal application performance and data security. If your organization requires specialized assistance with database administration, or if you are considering comprehensive Managed IT Services, Medha Cloud offers a suite of solutions designed to support your infrastructure effectively. Furthermore, for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Medha Cloud provides white-label managed IT services, enabling you to broaden your service offerings under your own brand.
