How to Install MariaDB 5.5 on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS

MariaDB is a drop-in replacement for MySQL. It is easy to install, offers many speed and performance improvements, and is easy to integrate into most MySQL deployments. Answers for compatibility questions can be found at MariaDB versus MySQL – Compatibility. MariaDB offers more storage engines than MySQL, including Cassandra (NoSQL), XtraDB (drop-in replacement for InnoDB), and OQGRAPH.

• These instructions are intended for installing MariaDB 5.5 on a single Ubuntu 14.04 LTS node (without MySQL already installed).
• I’ll be working from a Liquid Web Self Managed Ubuntu 14.04 LTS server, and I’ll be logged in as a non-root user, but with sudo access. For information on giving a user sudo access visit our page on How to Add a User and Grant Root Privileges on Ubuntu 14.04.

The software-properties-common package should already be installed, but just in case:

sudo apt-get install software-properties-common

To find which repo you should use with the MariaDB repository generator. We’re going to add the Ubuntu 14.04 “trusty” MariaDB 5.5 repository.

We’ll import the MariaDB public key used by the package management system:

sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver hkp://keyserver.ubuntu.com:80 0xcbcb082a1bb943db

Then we’ll add the MariaDB repository:

sudo add-apt-repository 'deb http://mirror.jmu.edu/pub/mariadb/repo/5.5/ubuntu trusty main'

Now reload the package database:

sudo apt-get update

At this point, installing MariaDB is as simple as running just one command:

sudo apt-get install mariadb-server

You may receive the following prompt or something similar:

After this operation, 116 MB of additional disk space will be used.
Do you want to continue? [Y/n]

Enter Y to continue.

Next, you’ll be asked:

New password for the MariaDB “root” user:

This is an administrative account in MariaDB with elevated privileges; enter a strong password.

Then you’ll be asked to verify the root MariaDB password:

Repeat password for the MariaDB “root” user:

That’s it! Your basic MariaDB installation is now complete!

Be sure to stop MariaDB before proceeding to the next step:

sudo service mysql stop

Now we’ll instruct MariaDB to create its database directory structure:

sudo mysql_install_db

Start MariaDB:

sudo service mysql start

And now let’s secure MariaDB by removing the test databases and anonymous user created by default:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

You’ll be prompted to enter your current password. Enter the root MariaDB password set during installation:

Enter current password for root (enter for none):

Then, assuming you set a strong root password, go ahead and enter n at the following prompt:

Change the root password? [Y/n] n

Remove anonymous users, Y:

Remove anonymous users? [Y/n] Y

Disallow root logins remotely, Y:

Disallow root login remotely? [Y/n] Y

Remove test database and access to it, Y:

Remove test database and access to it? [Y/n] Y

And reload privilege tables, Y:

Reload privilege tables now? [Y/n] Y

You can check the version of the MariaDB installation with the following command:

mysql -V

Enter the MariaDB command client:

mysql -p

You’ll be asked for the root password for the MariaDB server, which was set earlier in this tutorial:

Enter password:

And then you should be greeted with the following:

Welcome to the MariaDB monitor. Commands end with ; or \g.
Your MariaDB connection id is 34
Server version: 5.5.41-MariaDB-1~trusty-log mariadb.org binary distribution

Copyright (c) 2000, 2014, Oracle, MariaDB Corporation Ab and others.

Type 'help;' or '\h' for help. Type '\c' to clear the current input statement.

MariaDB [(none)]>

Exit the command line with the following command:

exit

Stop MariaDB:

sudo service mysql stop

Start MariaDB:

sudo service mysql start

To check the status of MariaDB:

sudo service mysql status

Restart MariaDB:

sudo service mysql restart

Whatever database you choose to use, we’ll be able to provide info to ensure you have the latest and most current data possible. Should you need assistance setting up, modifying or utilizing your database, don’t hesitate to contact our support department for more answers! You can reach us via our toll free number at 1-800-580-4985, or, use our International number at 517.322.0434. You can also open a ticket with us using the support@liquidweb.com email or, open a ticket from your Manage interface. Lastly, there’s always our chat option if you need quick info on smaller issues. Whatever means you choose, do not hesitate to contact us, as we are always standing by to offer our assistance and support! Thanks for hosting with Liquidweb!