Hi there! I’m trying to uninstall MySQL from my Mac, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process. I initially installed it to work on a project, but now I’ve switched to a different database system and don’t need MySQL anymore. I’ve searched online, but there seem to be various methods, and I’m not sure which one is the best to follow.
I want to ensure that I remove all components completely—like the database files, configuration settings, and any related services—to avoid clutter and potential conflicts in the future. I’ve already tried dragging the MySQL application to the Trash, but I suspect that leaves behind residual files.
Could someone guide me through the uninstallation process step by step? Specifically, I’d love to know how to stop the MySQL server if it’s still running, where to find the associated files that need to be deleted, and any terminal commands I might need to use. I appreciate any help you can provide since I don’t want to mess anything up on my system. Thank you!
How to Uninstall MySQL on Mac
So, you wanna get rid of MySQL on your Mac? No problem! It’s kinda like removing an app, but a little more complicated, kinda like trying to solve a puzzle.
Step 1: Stop MySQL Server
First, you gotta make sure MySQL isn’t running. Open
Terminal
(you can find it in Applications > Utilities), and type this command:It’ll ask for your password because, you know, security and stuff.
Step 2: Remove MySQL from Your Mac
Now, let’s delete MySQL. Still in the Terminal, type this:
This command is like saying “Hey, Mac! Just get rid of MySQL!”
Step 3: Remove the Preference Files
Don’t forget the leftover files! You can clean those up with:
Step 4: Clean Up Each Little Nook and Cranny
We need to find some hidden files too:
Step 5: Last Cleanup
And if you’re super sure you’re done, you can also delete the MySQL user from your system if you created one:
Step 6: Remove MySQL from Environment Variables
Open your profile file with a text editor (like nano or vim):
And delete any MySQL paths that might be in there. Save and close it (in nano, hit CTRL + X, then Y for yes).
Almost Done!
Finally, restart your Mac! 🎉
And there you go! MySQL is gone from your Mac! Now you can install, like, anything else. Or just breathe easy.
To uninstall MySQL from a macOS environment, the first step is to stop the MySQL server if it’s running. You can do this by executing the command `mysql.server stop` in the terminal. Once the server is halted, proceed to remove the MySQL server binaries and associated files. You can accomplish this by running the following command: `sudo rm -rf /usr/local/mysql /usr/local/mysql-* /Library/StartupItems/MySQLCOM /Library/PreferencePanes/MySQL*.prefPane`. After removing the installation directory, ensure that your shell’s configuration files (like .bash_profile or .zshrc) are cleaned up by deleting any lines that reference MySQL paths.
In addition, it’s prudent to remove the MySQL database and configuration files to reclaim disk space and prevent clutter. This can typically be done by targeting the relevant directories, such as `sudo rm -rf /usr/local/var/mysql`. Furthermore, check for MySQL-related files in other locations like `/Library/MySQL` and remove any MySQL property lists or launch daemons that may still reside in `/Library/LaunchDaemons/`. Performing these steps should effectively fully uninstall MySQL from your macOS system without leaving residual files behind.