MySQL or MariaDB config basics

Topic: Databases core

MySQL and MariaDB use my.cnf or my.ini for configuration. Key settings include datadir, port, bind-address, max_connections, and buffer pool. Use this when tuning or securing the server.

Intent: How-to

Quick answer

  • Config files: /etc/mysql/my.cnf or /etc/my.cnf; often includes files in conf.d. Sections [mysqld], [client]. Change datadir, port, bind-address as needed. Restart to apply most changes.
  • innodb_buffer_pool_size for InnoDB (often 70-80 percent of RAM for dedicated DB). max_connections for concurrency. Set character-set-server and collation for encoding.
  • Verify with SHOW VARIABLES. Use SET GLOBAL for temporary changes; persist in config for permanent. Document changes for disaster recovery.

Prerequisites

Steps

  1. Locate and edit config

    Find my.cnf; edit [mysqld] section. Common: datadir, port, bind-address, max_connections, innodb_buffer_pool_size. Save.

  2. Apply changes

    Restart MySQL/MariaDB for most options. Some variables are SET GLOBAL. systemctl restart mysql or mariadb.

  3. Verify

    SHOW VARIABLES LIKE 'innodb_buffer_pool_size'; and others. Confirm encoding and connectivity.

Summary

Edit my.cnf for datadir, port, buffer pool, and encoding; restart to apply; verify with SHOW VARIABLES.

Prerequisites

Steps

Step 1: Locate and edit config

Edit my.cnf [mysqld]; set datadir, port, bind-address, buffer pool, and encoding.

Step 2: Apply changes

Restart the server; use SET GLOBAL only for temporary overrides.

Step 3: Verify

Use SHOW VARIABLES to confirm settings and encoding.

Verification

  • SHOW VARIABLES shows intended values; server accepts connections.

Troubleshooting

Server won’t start — Check syntax and paths in my.cnf; check error log. Setting ignored — Some options require restart; check docs for scope.

Next steps

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