MySQL is one of the most popular relational database management systems (RDBMS) used worldwide. However, there might be instances where you need to uninstall it, perhaps to reinstall a fresh version, free up space, or switch to another RDBMS.
This guide will walk you through the process of uninstalling MySQL from an Ubuntu system. Before proceeding, it’s essential to back up any crucial data.
Let’s get started.
Step 1: Backup Your Data
Before uninstalling MySQL, ensure you’ve backed up all your databases. Data loss is irreversible, so this step is crucial.
sudo mysqldump -u root -p --all-databases > all_databases.sql
Step 2: Stop the MySQL Service
Before you can uninstall MySQL, you need to stop the service:
sudo systemctl stop mysql.service
Step 3: Remove MySQL Packages
Now, uninstall MySQL by purging the MySQL-server package:
sudo apt-get purge mysql-server mysql-client mysql-common mysql-server-core-* mysql-client-core-*
To remove all the packages that were installed with MySQL but are no longer used, you can use the autoremove command:
sudo apt-get autoremove
Then, to remove all configuration and database files, you can purge the MySQL library:
sudo apt-get purge libmysqlclient18
Step 4: Remove MySQL User and Group
You can also remove the MySQL user and group:
sudo deluser mysql sudo delgroup mysql
Step 5: Remove MySQL Configuration and Database Files
If you want to remove all MySQL configuration and database files, be sure you’ve backed up your data and then:
sudo rm -rf /etc/mysql /var/lib/mysql sudo apt-get purge mysql-server-core-5.7 sudo apt-get purge mysql-client-core-5.7
Note: The version number (5.7 in this case) might differ based on the version you have installed.
Step 6: Remove MySQL Dependencies
To remove dependencies used by MySQL but not used by other applications:
sudo apt-get autoremove
Step 7: Update Repository Information
Finally, update the repository information:
sudo apt-get update
Commands Mentioned
- sudo mysqldump -u root -p –all-databases > all_databases.sql – Backs up all your databases.
- sudo systemctl stop mysql.service – Stops the MySQL service.
- sudo apt-get purge mysql-server mysql-client mysql-common mysql-server-core-* mysql-client-core-* – Purges MySQL packages.
- sudo apt-get autoremove – Removes unused packages.
- sudo apt-get purge libmysqlclient18 – Purges the MySQL library.
- sudo deluser mysql – Removes the MySQL user.
- sudo delgroup mysql – Removes the MySQL group.
- sudo rm -rf /etc/mysql /var/lib/mysql – Removes MySQL configuration and database files.
- sudo apt-get update – Updates the repository information.
FAQ
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Why would I need to uninstall MySQL?
There are several reasons, including freeing up space, reinstalling a fresh version, troubleshooting issues, or switching to another RDBMS.
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Is it safe to uninstall MySQL?
Yes, but always back up your data first to prevent any data loss.
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What happens to my databases when I uninstall MySQL?
If you don’t back up your databases, they will be deleted when you uninstall MySQL.
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Can I reinstall MySQL after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall MySQL anytime after uninstalling it.
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Are there alternatives to MySQL?
Yes, there are many RDBMS alternatives like PostgreSQL, MariaDB, SQLite, and Microsoft SQL Server.
Conclusion
Uninstalling MySQL from Ubuntu is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to be cautious. Always ensure you’ve backed up your data before making any significant changes to your system.
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