MySQL Getting Started

This guide helps you install MySQL, connect to the database server, and run your first SQL queries. If you are starting a new deployment, consult the official MySQL downloads and MySQL 8.4 reference manual to choose an appropriate, supported release. Installation packages and installer screens can change between versions.

Choose your platform

• Install MySQL on Windows — server setup and initial configuration
• Install MySQL on macOS — macOS installation walkthrough
• Install MySQL on Ubuntu — setup on Ubuntu Linux
• Install MySQL on CentOS — an older CentOS-based walkthrough; confirm that the OS and MySQL versions shown there remain supported before following its commands

For modern RPM-based Linux installations, prefer the official MySQL Yum repository instructions. For Ubuntu and other Debian-based platforms, review the MySQL APT repository instructions.

Connect and verify your installation

After installing the server, follow Connect to MySQL and run a simple query:

SELECT VERSION() AS mysql_version, CURRENT_USER() AS authenticated_user;

VERSION() shows the running server version. CURRENT_USER() shows the MySQL account used for privilege checking; it can differ from the name supplied when connecting.

Practice with a sample database

Read the sample database guide to explore tables and queries. Also see the official Sakila sample database, a separate MySQL sample dataset used for exercises.

Next step: start with the MySQL introduction, then connect to a server and practice selecting rows, filtering results, and joining tables.