This guide details the parameters for connecting to a MariaDB server using client programs like `mariadb`. Learn about default connection behaviors and how to use various command-line options to customize your connection, including secure TLS configurations.
While the examples focus on the `mariadb` command-line client, the concepts apply to other clients like graphical interfaces or backup utilities (e.g., `mariadb-dump`). If you are completely new to MariaDB, refer to [A MariaDB Primer](/docs/server/mariadb-quickstart-guides/mariadb-usage-guide.md) first.
### Default Connection Behavior
When a connection parameter is not explicitly provided, a default value is used. To connect using only default values with the `mariadb` client:
```
mariadb
```
In this scenario, the following defaults typically apply:
* **Host name:** `localhost`
* **User name:** Your Unix login name (on Unix-like systems) or `ODBC` (on Windows).
* **Password:** No password is sent.
* **Database:** The client connects to the server but not to a specific database by default.
* **Socket:** The default socket file is used for connection.
### Overriding Defaults
You can override these defaults by specifying parameters. For example:
```bash
mariadb -h 166.78.144.191 -u username -ppassword database_name
```
In this example:
* `-h 166.78.144.191`: Specifies the host IP address instead of `localhost`.
* `-u username`: Specifies `username` as the MariaDB user.
* `-ppassword`: Specifies `password` as the password.
* **Note:** For passwords, there must be no space between `-p` and the password value.
* **Security Warning:** Providing a password directly on the command line is insecure as it can be visible to other users on the system. It's more secure to use `-p` without the password value, which will prompt you to enter it.
* `database_name`: This is the name of the database to connect to, provided as the first argument after all options.
* The connection will use the default TCP/IP port (usually 3306).
### Connection Parameters
The following are common connection parameters:
#### host
* `--host=name`
* `-h name`
Connects to the MariaDB server on the given host.
Default: localhost.
MariaDB typically does not permit remote logins by default; see Configuring MariaDB for Remote Client Access.
#### password
* `--password[=passwd]`
* `-p[passwd]`
Specifies the password for the MariaDB account.
* **Security Best Practice:** For improved security, use the `-p` or `--password` option without providing the password value directly on the command line. You will be prompted to enter it, preventing it from being visible in command history or process lists.
#### pipe
* `--pipe`
* `-W`
(Windows only) Connects to the server using a named pipe, if the server was started with the `--enable-named-pipe` option.
#### port
* `--port=num`
* `-P num`
Specifies the TCP/IP port number for the connection.
Default: 3306.
#### protocol
* `--protocol=name`
Specifies the connection protocol. Possible values (case-insensitive): `TCP`, `SOCKET`, `PIPE`, `MEMORY`. The default protocol is typically the most efficient for the operating system (e.g., `SOCKET` on Unix).
* **TCP:** TCP/IP connection (local or remote). Available on all OS.
* **SOCKET:** Unix socket file connection (local server on Unix systems only). If `--socket` is not specified, the default is `/tmp/mysql.sock`.
* **PIPE:** Named-pipe connection (local or remote). Windows only.
* **MEMORY:** Shared-memory connection (local server on Windows systems only).
#### shared-memory-base-name
* `--shared-memory-base-name=name`
(Windows only) Specifies the shared-memory name for connecting to a local server started with the --shared-memory option. The value is case-sensitive.
Default: MARIADB.
#### socket
* `--socket=name`
* `-S name`
For connections to `localhost`:
* On Unix: Specifies the Unix socket file to use. *Default:* `/tmp/mysql.sock`.
* On Windows: Specifies the name (case-insensitive) of the named pipe if the server was started with `--enable-named-pipe`. *Default:* `MARIADB`.
#### user
* `--user=name`
* `-u name`
Specifies the MariaDB user name for the connection.
Default: Your Unix login name (on Unix-like systems) or ODBC (on Windows).
See the GRANT command for information on creating MariaDB user accounts.
### TLS Options
These options control the use of TLS (Transport Layer Security) for secure connections. For comprehensive details, see [Secure Connections Overview](/docs/server/security/encryption/data-in-transit-encryption/secure-connections-overview.md) and [TLS System Variables](/docs/server/security/encryption/data-in-transit-encryption/ssltls-system-variables.md).
* **`--ssl`**: Enable TLS for the connection. Automatically enabled if other `--ssl-*` flags are used. Disable with `--skip-ssl`.
* **`--ssl-ca=name`**: CA (Certificate Authority) file in PEM format. (Implies `--ssl`).
* **`--ssl-capath=name`**: Directory containing CA certificates in PEM format. (Implies `--ssl`).
* **`--ssl-cert=name`**: Client X.509 certificate in PEM format. (Implies `--ssl`).
* **`--ssl-cipher=name`**: Specific TLS cipher(s) to use for the connection. (Implies `--ssl`).
* **`--ssl-key=name`**: Client X.509 private key in PEM format. (Implies `--ssl`).
* **`--ssl-crl=name`**: Certificate Revocation List (CRL) file in PEM format. (Implies `--ssl`).
* **`--ssl-crlpath=name`**: Directory containing CRL files. (Implies `--ssl`).
* **`--ssl-verify-server-cert`**: Verifies the server's certificate "Common Name" against the hostname used for connecting. Disabled by default.
### Option Files
Connection parameters and other options can also be set in option files (configuration files), which most MariaDB clients read upon startup. To see which option files a client reads and the option groups it recognizes, typically run the client with the `--help` option.
{% @marketo/form formId="4316" %}
---
# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:
```
GET https://mariadb.com/docs/server/mariadb-quickstart-guides/mariadb-connecting-guide.md?ask=
```
The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.