MySQL Port Connection:
An Easy Guide on How to Use It

How to Connect to the MySQL Port From the Command Line

The correct connection parameters, such as the hostname assigned to your computer, the username, and the password associated with your MySQL account, must be used in the client software in order to connect to the MySQL server. There is a default value for each connection parameter, but you can alter those according to your needs using program options provided either from the command line or in an option file.

Without providing any specific connection options, the following command starts MySQL: mysql

The parameters are not specified, hence the default values are used:

• Localhost is used as the default hostname.
• On Windows, the default username is ODBC, and on Unix, it is your login name.
• As neither --password nor -p are used, no password is supplied.
• The default database name for MySQL is taken from the first non-option parameter. No default database is chosen by MySQL because there is no such argument.

Define the relevant parameters on the command line to explicitly specify the hostname, username, and password. You can use the database-name option to choose a default database.

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What is the Default Port for MySQL Server?

The default MySQL port number for your database is 3306. While most programs will specify the port number by default, it may vary in some circumstances. For security reasons, the port number can potentially be changed. Moreover, it can also be changed if the default port number is already in use by a different program.

The MySQL protocol connects to utilities like mysqldump and MySQL client software using the default port.

Is it Safe to Use the Default MySQL Port 3306?

Types of MySQL Ports

MySQL features support a wide range of ports that serve different purposes. Let us take a closer look at each one of those types:

Connection Ports between the Client and the Server

The MySQL client, utilities like mysqldump, and MySQL connectors all utilize port 3306 as the default one. It's also the MySQL protocol standard port. Such clients as MySQL router, MySQL Shell, and MySQL connectors support the protocol.

MySQL Connection Port for Administration

For administrative connections, the MySQL server supports TCP/IP port settings. This port expands the administrative connection choices available on the network interface for regular connections.

Shell Ports for MySQL

MySQL Shell is a code and client editor for experienced users. Both the conventional MySQL and the X Protocol are supported by MySQL Shell.

There are also such types as high-availability ports, key management, Memcached Protocol, and external authentication ones.

What Port Does MySQL Use?

The port is mostly controlled by the components in use, which apps have been enabled, how they connect, and the MySQL ecosystem's general characteristics.

The best method to use ports is to make them large enough to handle all of the different components while also blocking out any untrustworthy hosts.

There are a few different techniques to figure out what port your MySQL server is listening on. When you are already connected to the MySQL server, you can still check the port number that was used for this particular connection. Execute the following command in order to do that: SHOW VARIABLES LIKE 'port';

If you are using Windows, you can look for the MySQL port number in the settings file:

1. Navigate to the "my.ini" file. It will be located in the MySQL installation directory, e.g. C:\ProgramData\MySQL\MySQL Server 8.0\.
2. Open the.ini configuration file with Notepad.
3. Find the MySQL port that is listening on Windows.

Changing your default MySQL port can protect you from brute-force programs that gain unwanted access. While using non-standard ports can improve your security, it only does so by lengthening the time it takes for a hacker to succeed. As a result, having extra security measures in place besides changing the port would be beneficial. Another reason you might need to change ports is if the usual 3306 is already in use.

MySQL Ports of Various Usage

Port 3306 (TCP)

MySQL clients connect to the MySQL server through port 3306 by default. As a rule, the communication on this port is encrypted. Unless the X protocol is utilized, communication on this port must go in the direction from client to server.

Port 33060 (TCP)

This port is used to communicate between the MySQL client and the server and it is also encrypted. Unless the default 3306 is utilized, the port is also required for communication.

Port 33062 (Default TCP/IP)

The communication on the port is encrypted and takes place between the client and the server. It's worth noting that this MySQL port is specifically set up to facilitate the administrator connections. The interface allows such activities as user management, server configuration, log viewing, performing export and import.

Port 33061 (TCP/IP)

Shell ports are 33061/TCP, 33060/TCP, and 3306/TCP, among others. Running InnoDB Cluster makes the use of port 33061/TCP mandatory. The port's communication is also encrypted. Its primary function is to verify a server during InnoDB Cluster configuration.

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