brew install mysql on macOS

🚀 Problem: Access denied for user 'root'@'localhost' when connecting to MySQL on macOS

So you're trying to install MySQL on macOS using Homebrew, and everything seems to be going well until you run into the dreaded "Access denied" error. Don't worry, you're not alone! This is a common issue that many macOS users encounter. But fear not, because I've got some easy solutions for you.

😰 Why is this happening?

The root cause of this problem lies in the default MySQL configuration. By default, MySQL on macOS is set up to require a password for the 'root' user, even for a fresh installation. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your database. However, it can be a bit frustrating when you're just getting started.

💡 Solution 1: Specify the password when connecting

The first solution is to explicitly provide the password when connecting to the MySQL server using the mysqladmin command. Here's how you can do it:

/usr/local/Cellar/mysql/5.1.52/bin/mysqladmin -u root -p'mypass' password 'newpass'

In the above command, replace 'mypass' with your current password and 'newpass' with the new password you want to set. This should update the password for the 'root' user and allow you to connect without any issues.

💡 Solution 2: Reset the root password

If Solution 1 didn't work for you or you don't remember the current password, don't fret! You can reset the root password with the following steps:

1. Stop the MySQL server by running brew services stop mysql.

2. Start the MySQL server in safe mode with the command mysql_safe --skip-grant-tables.

3. Open a new terminal window and run mysql -u root. You should now be connected to the MySQL server with full privileges and without a password prompt.

4. Run the following command to update the root password: UPDATE mysql.user SET Password=PASSWORD('newpass') WHERE User='root';, replacing 'newpass' with the new password you want to set.

5. Flush the privileges by running FLUSH PRIVILEGES;.

6. Exit the MySQL prompt by typing exit.

7. Stop the MySQL server by running brew services stop mysql.

8. Start the MySQL server normally with the command brew services start mysql.

After following these steps, you should be able to connect to the MySQL server using the new password you set.

🌟 The Call to Action: Share your experience!

I hope one of the solutions above helped you resolve the "Access denied" issue on macOS. If you have any other tips or tricks related to MySQL or Homebrew, feel free to share them in the comments below! Let's help each other out and make the MySQL installation process on macOS a breeze for everyone. 🙌