Configure MySQL

MySQL is one of the most widely used open source relational databases. This guide covers both a local install and a cloud hosted option using PlanetScale free tier.

Local Install

Install MySQL

1. Download MySQL Community Server from https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/
2. Run the installer for your operating system:

Windows:

1. Run MySQL Installer and choose Developer Default as the setup type
2. Set a root password during the configuration step — note this down
3. Leave the default port as 3306

macOS:

1. Open a terminal and run:

brew install mysql

2. Start the service:

brew services start mysql

3. Secure the installation and set a root password:

mysql_secure_installation

Connect via DBeaver

1. Open DBeaver and click the New Database Connection button in the top left
2. Search for MySQL, select it, and click Next
3. Fill in the connection fields:
   • Host: localhost
   • Port: 3306
   • Database: leave blank for now
   • Username: root
   • Password: the root password you set during install
4. Click Test Connection — if prompted, download the MySQL JDBC driver
5. Click Finish

Cloud Hosted (PlanetScale Free Tier)

1. Go to https://planetscale.com and sign up for a free account
2. Create a new database, name it sql101, and select the nearest region
3. Once created, go to Connect → Connect with → choose General
4. Copy the connection details shown in the dialog:
   • Host, Username, and Password are displayed in the connect dialog
   • Port: 3306
5. SSL is required on PlanetScale — in DBeaver open the SSL tab and enable Use SSL and Require SSL
6. Open DBeaver and create a new MySQL connection with these details
7. Click Test Connection, then Finish

Creating the Database Schema

Now that the connection is established you can create the database schema found here. MySQL requires a database to exist before running the schema. If you do not already have one, run:

CREATE DATABASE SQL101;
USE SQL101;

Then run the schema script.

Notes

• If the connection is refused on a local install, check MySQL is running:
  • Windows: open the Services app and look for MySQL80 — start it if it is stopped
  • macOS: run brew services list and confirm mysql shows as started
• PlanetScale requires SSL — if DBeaver shows an SSL error, double check the SSL tab has Use SSL enabled
• Root login may be restricted on some macOS installs — if you cannot connect as root, create a new user:

CREATE USER 'sqluser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'yourpassword';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON *.* TO 'sqluser'@'localhost';

• Port 3306 in use: stop any conflicting MySQL instances or change the port in my.cnf