Installing a Database Server
How to install MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL on your VPS.
Debian/Ubuntu
The commands below are for Debian/Ubuntu based distros (using apt). If you're running a different distro, see our guide on picking a distro, or substitute your distro's package manager equivalent.
Pick whichever engine your application needs, you generally only need one.
MySQL
Install the package
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mysql-server -ySecure the install
sudo mysql_secure_installationFollow the prompts to set a root password and lock down default settings.
MariaDB
Install the package
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mariadb-server -ySecure the install
sudo mariadb-secure-installationPostgreSQL
Install the package
sudo apt update
sudo apt install postgresql postgresql-contrib -ySet a password for the postgres user
sudo -u postgres psql -c "ALTER USER postgres PASSWORD 'yourpassword';"Allow remote connections (optional)
By default, all three only accept local connections. If an application outside the VPS needs to connect, you'll need to edit the engine's config to listen on your VPS's IP, and open the relevant port (3306 for MySQL/MariaDB, 5432 for PostgreSQL) in your firewall.
Be careful exposing databases publicly
Only open your database port to specific trusted IPs where possible, and always use strong, unique passwords, exposed database ports are a common attack target.