How to Install MySQL on Windows, Linux, and macOS

MySQL is one of the most widely used databases for PHP applications, including Laravel. It allows you to store, manage, and retrieve data efficiently.

Before creating a Laravel project, you need a working MySQL setup.

• Make sure you have already installed PHP and Composer

Install MySQL on Windows

Step 1: Download MySQL

Go to the official MySQL website and download MySQL Community Server.

Step 2: Run the Installer

• Choose Developer Default setup
• Set a root password (remember this)
• Keep default settings unless you know what you're doing

Step 3: Complete Installation

Finish the installation process using the setup wizard.

Step 4: Verify Installation

Open Command Prompt and run:

mysql -u root -p

Enter your root password. If successful, you will enter the MySQL shell.

Install MySQL on Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

Step 1: Update Packages

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install MySQL Server

sudo apt install mysql-server -y

Step 3: Secure Installation

sudo mysql_secure_installation

This step helps:

• Set root password
• Remove anonymous users
• Disable remote root login

Step 4: Verify Installation

mysql -u root -p

Install MySQL on macOS

Method 1: Using Homebrew (Recommended)

Step 1: Install MySQL

brew install mysql

Step 2: Start MySQL Service

brew services start mysql

Step 3: Login to MySQL

mysql -u root

Method 2: Using Official Installer

• Download MySQL DMG installer
• Follow installation wizard
• Set root password

Create Database for Laravel

After installing MySQL, create a database for your Laravel project:

CREATE DATABASE laravel_db;

Create a Separate Database User (Recommended)

CREATE USER 'laravel_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'strong_password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON laravel_db.* TO 'laravel_user'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

Using a separate user improves security instead of using root.

Useful MySQL Commands

Show databases

SHOW DATABASES;

Select database

USE laravel_db;

Exit MySQL

EXIT;

Common Issues and Fixes

MySQL not starting

• Restart MySQL service
• Check if port 3306 is already in use

Access denied for user 'root'

• Reset password or run:

sudo mysql

Command not found (Linux/macOS)

Install client tools:

sudo apt install mysql-client