Can't Connect to MySQL Server: Socket Not Found

When trying to connect to MySQL using MAMP, users may encounter error #2002: "Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket '/Applications/MAMP/tmp/mysql/mysql.sock' (2)." This issue arises when the mysql.sock socket file, typically located in the specified path, is missing.

Test the MySQL Path

First, try starting MySQL using the full path:

/Applications/MAMP/Library/bin/mysql -u root -p

If it connects successfully, it indicates that MAMP isn't using the correct path.

Fix the Path Issue

To resolve the problem, create a symbolic link from the actual socket location to the expected path:

sudo ln -s /Applications/MAMP/tmp/mysql/mysql.sock /tmp/mysql.sock

This creates a shortcut that allows MySQL to find the socket file and connect properly.

Ensure MySQL is Running

Now, MySQL should be able to run normally when you type:

mysql -u root -p

Alternate Path Detection

If the previous steps fail, you can try detecting the MySQL path dynamically:

$($(for dir in /usr/local/mysql/bin /usr/bin /usr/local/bin /Applications/MAMP/Library/bin /Applications/XAMPP/xamppfiles/bin; do [ -x "$dir/mysql" ] && echo "$dir/mysql" && break; done) -u root -p)

This command searches for the MySQL binary in several common locations and then uses it to connect to the server.