How to Reset a Forgotten MySQL Password on Linux

MySQL is a popular open-source database management system used by many developers and organizations to store and manage data. However, if you have forgotten the password for your MySQL database on a Linux system, it can be quite frustrating to regain access. In this article, we will guide you through the process of resetting a forgotten MySQL password on Linux.

Method 1: Reset Password using MySQL Safe Mode

First, stop the MySQL service by running the following command in the terminal:
```
sudo systemctl stop mysqld
```
Start MySQL in safe mode by running the following command:
```
sudo mysqld_safe --skip-grant-tables&
```
Connect to MySQL using the root user without a password by running the following command:
```
mysql -u root
```
Once you are logged into MySQL, switch to the MySQL database by running the command:
```
use mysql;
```

Change the root password with the following command:

update user set authentication_string=password('new_password') where user='root';

Replace new_password with your desired new password.

Flush the privileges to ensure the changes take effect:
```
flush privileges;
```
Exit MySQL by typing:
```
exit;
```
Restart the MySQL service by running the command:
```
sudo systemctl start mysqld
```
You should now be able to log in to MySQL with the new password you set.

Method 2: Reset Password by Editing MySQL Configuration File

Stop the MySQL service using the following command:
```
sudo systemctl stop mysqld
```
Edit the MySQL configuration file using a text editor like nano or vim:
```
sudo nano /etc/mysql/my.cnf
```
Add the following line under the [mysqld] section:
```
skip-grant-tables
```
Save and exit the editor.
Restart the MySQL service:
```
sudo systemctl start mysqld
```
Log in to MySQL as root without a password:
```
mysql -u root
```

Change the root password with the following command:

use mysql;
update user set authentication_string=password('new_password') where user='root';
flush privileges;
exit;

Replace new_password with your desired new password.

Remove the skip-grant-tables line from the MySQL configuration file.
Restart the MySQL service:
```
sudo systemctl restart mysqld
```
You should now be able to log in to MySQL with the new password.

By following either of these methods, you should be able to reset a forgotten MySQL password on a Linux system. Remember to choose a strong and secure password to protect your database from unauthorized access.