How to Install MySql on Mac OSX (10.6)

Affects: Mac OS X 10.6

For Development and Testing:

If you need to set up a mySQL server on a Mac OS X machine for testing purposes download MAMP (Mac Apache MySql Php or Python).  It contains an entire testing environment in a single application.  Once the application is installed you will find the MAMP folder in your application folder.  Configure and turn on the Servers by running the MAMP.app.  The web directory will will be /Applications/MAMP/htdocs.  You can see the magic when you point your browser to http://localhost:8888.  Configuring MySql will take place using PHPmyAdmin which is accessible from the MAMP home screen.  

For everyday use:

1. Download the latest .dmg installer (unless you are feeling spunky and want to compile your own) from mysql.com.  

2. For simple control you can install the preference pane that is included with the installer.  This will allow you to turn the service on or off.  (for bonus points you can turn it on and off by opening the terminal and typing in /usr/local/mysql/support-files/mysql.server start [or stop].

3. Otherwise you can install the the Beta Version of MySql’s Workbench Software that will give you a GUI for the Server. Make sure you get at least version 5.2 otherwise there is no server admin tab.  

It is a nice piece of software that will let you create your entire database schema visually and then sync it with the server.

Author: Drew Hunzeker