Remove MySQL Server Ubuntu 20.04: How to Do It and Its Pros and Cons

Welcome to Our Guide on Removing MySQL Server on Ubuntu 20.04

If you are a web developer or a website owner, you might have heard about MySQL, a popular relational database management system that helps you organize and manage data for your website. However, there are instances when you need to remove MySQL server from your Ubuntu 20.04 system, whether it is because you are switching to another database, or you simply do not need it anymore.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to remove MySQL server on Ubuntu 20.04, its advantages and disadvantages, and some frequently asked questions about this process. So, sit back, relax, and let’s get started!

The Basics of Removing MySQL Server on Ubuntu 20.04

Before we dive into the steps on how to remove MySQL server on your system, let’s first understand what MySQL is and its relevance to Ubuntu 20.04. MySQL is an open-source relational database management system that stores and manages data for various web applications and websites. Ubuntu 20.04, on the other hand, is the latest Long Term Support (LTS) version of the popular Linux distribution Ubuntu, which is widely used by developers and webmasters alike.

By default, Ubuntu 20.04 comes with MySQL server installed on its system. However, if you want to remove it, there are several ways to do it, such as using the command line interface or the graphical user interface.

How to Remove MySQL Server on Ubuntu 20.04 Using the Command Line Interface

The easiest and most straightforward way of removing MySQL server on Ubuntu 20.04 is by using the command line interface. Follow these steps:

Step	Command	Description
1	sudo systemctl stop mysql.service	Stop the MySQL service from running
2	sudo apt-get remove –purge mysql-server mysql-client mysql-common -y	Remove MySQL server and its dependencies from your system
3	sudo apt-get autoremove -y	Remove any leftover dependencies
4	sudo rm -rf /etc/mysql /var/lib/mysql	Delete any data and configuration files for MySQL

After executing these commands, MySQL server should be completely removed from your Ubuntu 20.04 system.

How to Remove MySQL Server on Ubuntu 20.04 Using the Graphical User Interface

If you prefer using the graphical user interface, you can also remove MySQL server on Ubuntu 20.04 by following these steps:

1. Open the Ubuntu Software Center
2. Search for “MySQL Server”
3. Select “MySQL Server” from the search results
4. Click on the “Remove” button
5. Enter your password to confirm the removal process

Once the removal process is complete, MySQL server should be removed from your Ubuntu 20.04 system.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Removing MySQL Server on Ubuntu 20.04

Removing MySQL server on Ubuntu 20.04 has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them:

Advantages

1. Free up disk space – Removing MySQL server and its dependencies will free up disk space on your system, which can be useful if you have limited storage.

2. Improved system performance – Since MySQL server is no longer running, it will not consume any system resources, resulting in improved system performance.

3. Enhanced security – By removing MySQL server, you also remove any potential security vulnerabilities associated with it, which can improve the overall security of your system.

Disadvantages

1. Loss of data – If you have any data stored in your MySQL databases, removing MySQL server will result in data loss, unless you back up your data prior to removal.

2. Breakage of dependent applications – If you have any web applications or websites that depend on MySQL server, removing it can break those applications or websites, unless you migrate your data to another database.

3. Difficulty in reinstalling – If you change your mind and want to reinstall MySQL server, it can be difficult and time-consuming to do so, depending on how you removed it from your system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I remove MySQL server without affecting other applications?

A1. It depends on whether other applications or websites depend on MySQL server. If there are no dependent applications or websites, then removing MySQL server will not affect other applications.

Q2. Will removing MySQL server remove all my data?

A2. Yes, removing MySQL server will result in all data stored in your MySQL databases being deleted, unless you back up your data prior to removal.

Q3. Can I reinstall MySQL server after removing it?

A3. Yes, you can reinstall MySQL server after removing it, but the process may be difficult and time-consuming depending on how you removed it from your system.

Q4. Will removing MySQL server improve the performance of my system?

A4. Yes, removing MySQL server will improve the performance of your system by freeing up system resources previously consumed by MySQL server.

Q5. How do I backup my data prior to removing MySQL server?

A5. You can back up your data by exporting your MySQL databases into SQL files, which you can then import into another database management system or reimport into MySQL server if you decide to reinstall it in the future.

Q6. Can I remove MySQL server using a third-party tool?

A6. Yes, there are third-party tools that can help you remove MySQL server on Ubuntu 20.04, but be sure to use a reputable tool to avoid any potential security risks.

Q7. What alternatives are there to MySQL server?

A7. There are several alternatives to MySQL server, such as PostgreSQL, MariaDB, SQLite, and Oracle Database. Be sure to research each database management system to determine which one is best for your needs.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has been helpful in understanding how to remove MySQL server on Ubuntu 20.04, as well as its advantages and disadvantages. Remember to back up your data prior to removal, and be aware of any dependent applications or websites that may be affected by its removal. Finally, consider using an alternative database management system if you decide to remove MySQL server from your system.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. We always appreciate feedback from our readers!

Closing Disclaimer

The information contained in this guide is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Use at your own risk.

Video:Remove MySQL Server Ubuntu 20.04: How to Do It and Its Pros and Cons