mysql_install_db initializes the MariaDB data directory and creates the system tables in the mysql database, if they do not exist. MariaDB uses these tables to manage privileges, roles, and plugins. It also uses them to provide the data for the help command in the mysql client.

mysql_install_db works by starting MariaDB Server's mysqld process in --bootstrap mode and sending commands to create the system tables and their content.

There is a version specifically for Windows, mysql_install_db.exe.

To invoke mysql_install_db, use the following syntax:

mysql_install_db --user=mysql

For the options supported by mysql_install_db, see mysql_install_db: Options.

For the option groups read by mysql_install_db, see mysql_install_db: Option Groups.

See mysql_install_db: Installing System Tables for information on the installation process.

See mysql_install_db: Troubleshooting Issues for information on how to troubleshoot the installation process.

See also:

• mysql_install_db
• The Windows version of mysql_install_db: mysql_install_db.exe