MariaDB is a drop-in replacement for MySQL that remains fully open source under the GPL license, available directly from Ubuntu 26.04's default APT repository with no external sources required. This guide covers installation, service configuration, security hardening with mariadb-secure-installation , and basic database operations to confirm a working setup.

Install MariaDB

MariaDB is available directly in Ubuntu 26.04's default APT repository.

1. Update the APT package index:

$ sudo apt update

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2. Install the MariaDB server package:

$ sudo apt install mariadb-server -y

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3. Verify the installed version:

$ mariadb --version

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Manage the MariaDB Service

Enable MariaDB as a systemd service so it starts automatically on every boot.

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