MariaDB is a drop-in replacement for MySQL that remains fully open source under the GPL license, available directly from Ubuntu 26.04's default APT repository with no external sources required. This guide covers installation, service configuration, security hardening with mariadb-secure-installation , and basic database operations to confirm a working setup. Install MariaDB MariaDB is available directly in Ubuntu 26.04's default APT repository. 1. Update the APT package index: $ sudo apt update Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode 2. Install the MariaDB server package: $ sudo apt install mariadb-server -y Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode 3. Verify the installed version: $ mariadb --version Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode Manage the MariaDB Service Enable MariaDB as a systemd service so it starts automatically on every boot. 1. Enable and start the service: $ sudo systemctl enable mariadb $ sudo systemctl start mariadb Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode 2.…