How to Install MySQL Workbench on Ubuntu Linux

How to install MySQL Workbench from Snap

Installing MySQL Workbench on Ubuntu isn’t complicated. You won’t find the workbench package in the Ubuntu repository starting with Ubuntu 20.04.

You can use Snap package management to install the community version. Run the commands below to install Snap’s MySQL Workbench community version.

sudo snap install mysql-workbench-community

Once Workbench is installed, you can start it from the command line by typing `mysql-workbench-community` or by clicking the MySQL Workbench icon in Activities -> Overview -> MySQL Workbench.

To connect to a database server, head to Database ==> Connect to Database. You can add a new connection by clicking the circled plus sign ⊕ next to “MySQL Connections.”

From there, set up your new connection, enter your database server credentials, and test the connection. It should be added and ready to use once everything is entered correctly.

MySQL and MariaDB using root passwords

MariaDB and MySQL servers have the root user set to use the `auth_socket` authentication method by default.

The `auth_socket` plugin authenticates users who connect from the local host through the Unix socket file. You can’t authenticate as root by providing a password.

However, you can turn off the `auth_socket` plugin using the SQL commands below. If you do, you must type the root password to log on.

MySQL:

ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED WITH mysql_native_password BY 'type_strong_password_here';

MariaDB:

UPDATE mysql.user SET plugin = 'mysql_native_password' WHERE User='root';

You should be able to log in with the root password.

Conclusion:

• MySQL Workbench is a powerful tool for managing MySQL and MariaDB databases.
• The installation process on Ubuntu is simple and can be done through Snap.
• Users can create and manage databases, users, and run SQL queries efficiently.
• Auth_socket authentication can be modified to use password authentication for root users.
• Ubuntu provides an accessible platform for beginners to start learning Linux and database management.
• Overall, MySQL Workbench enhances productivity and simplifies database interactions for both new and experienced users.