CMS Ubuntu Linux

How to Install MySQL or MariaDB on Google Cloud Server

Written by

Richard

Nov 27, 2021 Updated Mar 18, 2026 4 min read

You install MySQL or MariaDB on a Google Cloud server running Ubuntu Linux to create a powerful database for your website.

These are essential open-source database management systems that store your website’s dynamic content, powering popular platforms like WordPress and Drupal.

This guide helps you get started, building on the previous steps of setting up your Google Cloud server and pointing your domain name.

You’ll learn to configure your server to host your website’s data efficiently.

How to connect to the Google Cloud server

Google Cloud server (Compute Engine) allows users to connect using SSH from the browser window to their virtual machine (VM) instance within the Google Cloud Console.

SSH from the browser supports the following:

Web browsers
- The latest version of Google Chrome
- Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and later
- Safari 8 and later. Note that Safari is not supported in private browser mode.
Virtual machine configurations
- All Linux VM images are natively available in Google Cloud.

No additional software or browser extensions are needed. Simply login to Google Cloud Console and go to Menu ==> Compute Engine ==> VM instances.

In the list of virtual machine instances, click SSH in the row of the instance that you want to connect to.

Establishing an SSH connection to a Google Cloud VM instance

Alternatively, you can open an SSH connection to an instance by clicking its name and SSH from the instance details page.

An SSH terminal window with the Ubuntu Linux instance created in the series’s second post will open.

You should now be able to run commands in Ubuntu Linux created on the Google Cloud server.

Terminal window connecting to a Google Cloud server host instance

How to install a database server on Google Cloud Servers

Installing MySQL or MariaDB on Ubuntu Linux is no different, whether on Google Cloud or a local VM instance.

Both MySQL and MariaDB packages are available in Ubuntu’s default repositories. One can use the apt-get commands to download and install database packages on Ubuntu Linux.

Below is a detailed post that provides help installing MySQL or MariaDB on Ubuntu Linux. Click on it to learn more about installing and managing MySQL or MariaDB database servers on Ubuntu Linux.

How to install MySQL or MariaDB on Ubuntu Linux

You can store content within a database with a database server installed and your domain name pointing to your Google Cloud server.

We’re now far ahead in creating a website online using a web server, PHP server-side language, and a database server. We’re ready to tie all these servers and software together for your website to be prepared.

We’re now ready to configure our servers and packages to get the website going.

Please stay tuned and continue reading up on our previous posts.

Conclusion:

In summary, setting up a MySQL or MariaDB database server on your Google Cloud server with Ubuntu is crucial in building your website. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can efficiently manage your database needs and ensure your content is stored securely. Here are the key takeaways:

Establishing a web and database server is essential for running dynamic websites and CMS platforms.
Google Cloud offers user-friendly SSH access to connect to your virtual machines.
MySQL or MariaDB can be installed easily using Ubuntu’s default repositories and apt-get commands.
Each step in this series builds on the previous one, culminating in a fully operational website.

Stay tuned for our next post, where we will delve deeper into configuring your servers and finalizing your website setup!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install MySQL on Google Cloud Server?

To install MySQL on a Google Cloud Server, first connect to your VM instance using SSH. Then, update your package list and install MySQL by running 'sudo apt update' followed by 'sudo apt install mysql-server'.

What is the difference between MySQL and MariaDB?

MySQL and MariaDB are both open-source database management systems, but MariaDB is a fork of MySQL. MariaDB offers additional features and improvements, and it is often seen as a drop-in replacement for MySQL.

Can I use MariaDB instead of MySQL on Google Cloud?

Yes, you can use MariaDB instead of MySQL on Google Cloud. The installation process is similar, and you can install MariaDB by running 'sudo apt install mariadb-server' after connecting to your VM instance.

What are the system requirements for running MySQL or MariaDB on Google Cloud?

MySQL and MariaDB can run on any Google Cloud VM instance that supports Ubuntu Linux. Ensure your instance has sufficient CPU and memory resources based on your expected workload.

How do I connect to MySQL or MariaDB after installation?

After installing MySQL or MariaDB, you can connect to the database using the command 'mysql -u root -p' in your SSH terminal. Enter your root password when prompted to access the database management interface.

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Tags: #Ubuntu Linux

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About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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