\fBmysqld\fR, also known as MySQL Server, is the main program that does most of the work in a MySQL installation\&. MySQL Server manages access to the MySQL data directory that contains databases and tables\&. The data directory is also the default location for other information such as log files and status files\&.
\fBmysqld\fR, also known as MariaDB Server, is the main program that does most of the work in a MariaDB installation\&. MariaDB Server manages access to the MariaDB data directory that contains databases and tables\&. The data directory is also the default location for other information such as log files and status files\&.
.PP
.PP
When MySQL server starts, it listens for network connections from client programs and manages access to databases on behalf of those clients\&.
When MariaDB server starts, it listens for network connections from client programs and manages access to databases on behalf of those clients\&.
MySQL Server also has a set of system variables that affect its operation as it runs\&. System variables can be set at server startup, and many of them can be changed at runtime to effect dynamic server reconfiguration\&. MySQL Server also has a set of status variables that provide information about its operation\&. You can monitor these status variables to access runtime performance characteristics\&.
MariaDB Server also has a set of system variables that affect its operation as it runs\&. System variables can be set at server startup, and many of them can be changed at runtime to effect dynamic server reconfiguration\&. MariaDB Server also has a set of status variables that provide information about its operation\&. You can monitor these status variables to access runtime performance characteristics\&.
.PP
.PP
For a full description of MySQL Server command options, system variables, and status variables, see
For a full description of MariaDB Server command options, system variables, and status variables, see
Section\ \&5.1, \(lqThe MySQL Server\(rq\&. For information about installing MySQL and setting up the initial configuration, see