How to check if MySQL is installed on Mac

MySQL is a popular open-source relational database management system. If you want to check if MySQL is installed on your Mac, follow the steps outlined in this guide.

1. Using Terminal

a. Check via MySQL Command

The simplest way to see if MySQL is installed is to try running the mysql command.

mysql --version

If MySQL is installed, this command will display the version of MySQL that’s installed. Otherwise, you’ll see a message indicating that mysql is not found.

b. Check MySQL Service

Another way to check for MySQL is to see if its service is running.

sudo launchctl list | grep mysql

If MySQL is installed and running as a service, you’ll see a line that includes the name “mysql”. If not, no results will be returned.

2. Checking in System Preferences

MySQL often installs a preferences pane in System Preferences.

1. Open System Preferences.
2. Look for the MySQL icon in the bottom row. If it’s present, MySQL is installed.

3. Check for MySQL Installation Folder

The default installation directory for MySQL on a Mac is /usr/local/mysql.

ls /usr/local/mysql

If you see a list of files and directories related to MySQL, it’s a good sign that MySQL is installed. If not, you’ll see an error indicating the directory doesn’t exist.

4. Use Homebrew

If you have installed MySQL using Homebrew, you can also check its existence using:

brew list | grep mysql

If MySQL has been installed via Homebrew, this command will return “mysql”.

Final Thoughts

It’s always good to be aware of what software is running on your machine, especially when it comes to databases that might be holding sensitive data. If you have MySQL installed but aren’t using it, consider either securing it or uninstalling it to reduce potential vulnerabilities. If you’re actively using MySQL, ensure you’re following best security practices and keeping your software up-to-date.