MariaDB is a very popular relational database that is developed by the MariaDB foundation. It is developed from a forked version of MySQL. Ever since Sun Microsystem, the original owner of MySQL was acquired by Oracle, there has been a cloud over the future open-source nature of MySQL. MariaDB originated to defuse this cloud and provide a structure for future open-source development of MySQL.
Today most organizations prefer MariaDB as their database system over MySQL not only because of the open-source nature but also because MariaDB has now become more efficient in case of complex queries. This post is about the steps involved in MariaDB Raspberry Pi Deployment.
Table of Contents
Prerequisites
- Raspberry Pi with display, keyboard, and LAN connections.
- Basic knowledge of working with Linux command line.
What is MariaDB?
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MariaDB was developed as free open-source software under the GNU General Public License. Its purpose-built, pluggable storage engines support workloads that had to depend on various specialized databases to ensure operational efficiency. With MariaDB, organizations can depend on a single complete database for all of their needs. This could be on the cloud of their choice or on commercial hardware. MariaDB distinguishes itself by delivering great operational agility without having to sacrifice key enterprise features namely full SQL and ACID compliance.
The MariaDB databases can be deployed in just a few minutes for various analytical, transactional, and hybrid use cases while providing enterprise reliability and collaborative innovation.
In terms of standard SQL syntax implementation, MariaDB and MySQL both offer common table expressions and window functions like geospatial functions and JSON. MariaDB however incorporates the linear regression functions, INTERSECT and EXCEPT set operators and many more. It also adds point-in-time rollback that allows DBAs to rewind the database to a previous point in time with zero downtime. Add session restore, transaction replay, and connection migration to hide failure from applications to the mix and you can see why MariaDB has the upper hand over MySQL here.
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To know more about MariaDB, visit this link.
What is Raspberry Pi?
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Raspberry Pi is the name given to a series of single-board computers developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation to educate people in computing and offer easier access to computing education.
Raspberry Pi is being widely used to build hardware projects, carry out home automation, implement Kubernetes clusters and Edge Computing, and brush up their programming skills among many others. It is essentially a cheap computer that runs Linux that comes with a set of GPIO (general purpose input/output) pins. It allows you to control electronic components to work with the Internet of Things (IoT) and for physical computing.
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To know more about Raspberry Pi, visit this link.
Understanding the Importance of MariaDB Raspberry Pi Deployment
Raspberry Pi is a tiny single-board computer available for under 50$. It has everything needed to run a full-fledged desktop computer including HDMI ports, USB Ports, and is even capable of driving 4k displays. The real use case of Raspberry Pi is not as a desktop computer though. It is a great platform for prototyping and building do-it-yourself hobby projects.
Because of its tiny size, it is also used for building hobby robots and IoT data collection mechanisms. Having Raspberry Pi as the platform means, you have all the features of a full-fledged Linux system to build software for your project. It is even possible to run a web server using Raspberry Pi. Since most use cases like the above-mentioned ones require a database and MariaDB is a popular open-source database, there is a need to set up MariaDB in Raspberry Pi.
A fully managed No-code Data Pipeline platform like Hevo helps you integrate data from MariaDB and 100+ other data sources (including 40+ Free Sources) to MariaDB in real-time in an effortless manner. Hevo with its minimal learning curve can be set up in just a few minutes allowing the users to load data without having to compromise performance. Its strong integration with umpteenth sources provides users with the flexibility to bring in data of different kinds, in a smooth fashion without having to code a single line.
Hevo takes care of all your data preprocessing needs required to set up the Integration and lets you focus on key business activities and draw a much more powerful insight on how to generate more leads, retain customers, and take your business to new heights of profitability. It provides a consistent & reliable solution to manage data in real-time and always have analysis-ready data in your desired destination.
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Understanding the MariaDB Raspberry Pi Deployment Setup
Raspberry Pi runs a modified version of Debian called Raspbian as its OS. MariaDB is available in the Raspbian repository. So installing MariaDB in Raspberry Pi is just about executing a few commands.
1) MariaDB Raspberry Pi Deployment: Updating Repositories
You can start the process by logging in to the shell and updating the repositories by executing the below commands.
The system will check the repository and download the packages that need to be updated. You will be asked to enter the root password at this point.
2) MariaDB Raspberry Pi Deployment: MariaDB Server Installation
In the next step, install MariaDB server by executing the below command:
The system will calculate the packages that need to be downloaded and ask you for confirmation. Press Y to initiate the download and install.
3) MariaDB Raspberry Pi Deployment: Root User Configuration
Once the installation is complete, the next step is to configure the root user. This user will allow you to create other users and define permissions. Since MariaDB is a drop-in replacement, all MySQL commands will work once the installation is complete. Henceforth, MySQL commands will be used to configure the system.
sudo mysql_secure_installation
The system will ask you to type the root password. Once the root password is set up, it will ask you for confirmation regarding other configuration options like removing anonymous users, disallowing remote logins, etc. For now, type Y for all the questions.
4) MariaDB Raspberry Pi Deployment: Log In and User Access
Now that the root user is set up, it is time to log in. Type the below command to log in:
mysql -u root -p
The system will ask for a password. Type the password set up in the previous step. The next step is to create a user entry that can be used by the client applications as follows:
CREATE USER '<preferred_username>'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY '<your_password>';
The next step is to provide access to the user which can be done as follows:
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON <dbname>.* TO '<configured_username>'@'localhost';
This statement will provide the new user with access to all the databases. You can limit this to specific databases if needed.
5) MariaDB Raspberry Pi Deployment: Verification of MariaDB Installation
Use the below command to ensure that the access permission changes are saved.
You can now quit the session and log in again using the new user credentials. To check everything is working, type the below command to create a database.
That completes the steps involved in setting up and configuring MariaDB Raspberry Pi Deployment.
Conclusion
A tiny computer running a full-fledged Linux OS has unlimited potential in taking ideas to reality. The ability to run enterprise-grade databases inside the tiny computer makes it even more versatile.
In this article, you explored the steps involved in setting up MariaDB Raspberry Pi deployment in considerable detail, after a brief overview of the two tools. Irrespective of whether you host MariaDB in Raspberry Pi or proper server-grade infrastructure, having a completely managed cloud-based ETL tool can help you facilitating integrations with different data sources and targets.
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Businesses can use automated platforms like Hevo Data to set the integration and handle the ETL process. It helps you directly transfer data from MariaDB to a Data Warehouse, Business Intelligence tools, or any other desired destination in a fully automated and secure manner without having to write any code and will provide you a hassle-free experience.
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Share your experience of learning about MariaDB Raspberry Pi Deployment in the comments section below!
Talha is a seasoned Software Developer, currently driving advancements in data integration at Hevo Data, where he have been instrumental in shaping a cutting-edge data integration platform for the past four years. With a significant tenure at Flipkart prior to their current role, he brought innovative solutions to the space of data connectivity and software development.