MariaDB Ubuntu Install Tutorial 2025


If you are just starting out with databases on Linux, there is a good chance you have heard about MariaDB. It is a popular open source database system that is a drop in replacement for MySQL but with a focus on performance and reliability. The best part is that it integrates seamlessly with Ubuntu, which is why so many people prefer it for web applications and development environments. Now, the idea of mariadb ubuntu install may sound a bit technical if you are new to Linux, but let us be honest, once you see the steps, it is not nearly as complicated as it seems. In this beginner friendly tutorial, we will walk through everything you need to know to install, configure, and start using MariaDB on Ubuntu. By the end, you will have a fully working database that you can connect to and manage with confidence.

Why Choose MariaDB on Ubuntu

Here is the thing. MariaDB offers speed, stability, and an active community that keeps pushing updates. Ubuntu, on the other hand, is known for its ease of use and stability as a server operating system. Pair them together and you get a powerful setup that is both beginner friendly and production ready.

Prerequisites Before Installation

Before jumping in, make sure you have the basics covered:

  • A system running Ubuntu 20.04 or newer

  • A user account with sudo privileges

  • Basic familiarity with the terminal

That is really all you need to get started.

Step 1 Update the System

You ever noticed how updating first tends to solve half the problems This is always the best first step.

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

This ensures you are working with the latest packages.

Step 2 Install MariaDB Server

Now comes the main part. Run the following command to install MariaDB:

sudo apt install mariadb-server -y

This will pull in all the required dependencies and install the database server on your machine.

Step 3 Secure the Installation

After installation, it is good practice to run the security script that comes with MariaDB.

sudo mysql_secure_installation

This will guide you through setting a root password, removing anonymous users, disallowing remote root login, and removing the test database. Just follow the prompts and choose the recommended options if you are unsure.

Step 4 Check Service Status

Let us make sure everything is running fine.

systemctl status mariadb

If it shows active and running, you are good to go. You can also enable it to start on boot:

sudo systemctl enable mariadb

Step 5 Log Into MariaDB

Now it is time to log in to your database.

sudo mysql -u root -p

Enter the password you set earlier and you will be inside the MariaDB shell.

Step 6 Create a Database and User

To test things out, let us create a new database and user.

CREATE DATABASE testdb;
CREATE USER 'testuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON testdb.* TO 'testuser'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

This sets up a simple database and user with full access.

Managing MariaDB Service

Here are some commands you will probably use often:

  • Restart MariaDB

sudo systemctl restart mariadb
  • Stop MariaDB

sudo systemctl stop mariadb
  • Start MariaDB

sudo systemctl start mariadb

Common Troubleshooting Tips

  • If MariaDB fails to start, check logs with journalctl -u mariadb

  • Make sure port 3306 is not blocked if you want remote connections

  • Always double check user permissions if you cannot connect to a database

Final Thoughts on MariaDB Ubuntu Install

At first, installing MariaDB on Ubuntu might feel like a big step, especially if you are new to Linux. But as you can see, the actual process is quite straightforward. You update, install, secure, and then start creating databases. The beauty of MariaDB is that it is not only beginner friendly but also powerful enough for production workloads. With this setup, you can confidently build and run applications that rely on a solid database foundation. So take this guide, follow the steps, and you will be running MariaDB on Ubuntu in no time.

Sources: MariaDB.org, Ubuntu.com, DigitalOcean.com

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