How to Set Up MariaDB on macOS

How do I set up MariaDB on macOS using Homebrew?

Install and configure MariaDB locally on macOS using Homebrew, then connect and create sample ecommerce tables.

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Description

How do I install MariaDB with Homebrew?

Run brew install mariadb to download and compile the latest stable MariaDB package. Homebrew handles dependencies automatically, ensuring a clean installation.

How do I start and autostart the server?

Launch MariaDB immediately with brew services start mariadb. This command also registers MariaDB as a launch agent so it boots automatically after each macOS restart.

How do I secure the root account?

Harden the server by running mysql_secure_installation. The wizard lets you set a strong root password, remove anonymous users, disallow remote root logins, and drop the test database.

How do I connect from the terminal?

Use mysql -u root -p, then enter the password you just set. You’ll land in the MariaDB shell ready to run SQL.

How do I create an ecommerce database and user?

Execute: CREATE DATABASE ecommerce; followed by CREATE USER 'shop_admin'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'StrongPass1!'; and GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON ecommerce.* TO 'shop_admin'@'localhost';.

How do I load sample tables quickly?

Switch to the new database with USE ecommerce; and paste the table definitions in the next section. Having realistic data structures accelerates local testing.

What are best practices after installation?

Enable slow-query logging (SET GLOBAL slow_query_log = 1;) and adjust innodb_buffer_pool_size to 50-70% of system RAM for better performance. Always back up /usr/local/var/mysql with Time Machine or a scheduled mysqldump.

Which Homebrew options matter?

--build-from-source compiles fully on your machine, while --with-openssl links against OpenSSL for TLS 1.3 support. Most users can omit them; the default bottle works fine.

Where are the config files?

Main configuration lives in /usr/local/etc/my.cnf. Override server settings in [mysqld], then restart the service to apply changes.

Why How to Set Up MariaDB on macOS is important

How to Set Up MariaDB on macOS Example Usage


-- List last week's orders with customer names and totals
SELECT c.name,
       o.id AS order_id,
       o.order_date,
       o.total_amount
FROM Orders o
JOIN Customers c ON c.id = o.customer_id
WHERE o.order_date >= CURDATE() - INTERVAL 7 DAY
ORDER BY o.order_date DESC;

How to Set Up MariaDB on macOS Syntax


# Homebrew install (latest stable)
brew install mariadb [--build-from-source] [--with-openssl]

# Start service and enable autostart
brew services start mariadb

# Secure installation wizard
mysql_secure_installation

# Terminal connection as root
mysql -u root -p

# Sample ecommerce schema setup
CREATE DATABASE ecommerce;
USE ecommerce;

CREATE TABLE Customers (
  id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
  name VARCHAR(100),
  email VARCHAR(150) UNIQUE,
  created_at DATETIME DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
);

CREATE TABLE Orders (
  id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
  customer_id INT,
  order_date DATE,
  total_amount DECIMAL(10,2),
  FOREIGN KEY (customer_id) REFERENCES Customers(id)
);

CREATE TABLE Products (
  id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
  name VARCHAR(120),
  price DECIMAL(10,2),
  stock INT
);

CREATE TABLE OrderItems (
  id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
  order_id INT,
  product_id INT,
  quantity INT,
  FOREIGN KEY (order_id) REFERENCES Orders(id),
  FOREIGN KEY (product_id) REFERENCES Products(id)
);

Common Mistakes

Ignoring mysql_secure_installation: Skipping this wizard leaves root without a password and demo databases accessible. Always run it immediately after installation.
Starting MariaDB with `mysql.server start` but forgetting autostart: The server stops after reboot. Use `brew services start mariadb` so it relaunches automatically.