The MySQL server has many operating parameters, which you can change at server startup using command-line options or configuration files (option files). It is also possible to change many parameters at runtime. For general instructions on setting parameters at startup or runtime, see Section 5.1.3, “Server Command Options”, and Section 5.1.4, “Server System Variables”.

MySQL provides a number of preconfigured option files that can be used as a basis for tuning the MySQL server. Look for files named my-small.cnf, my-medium.cnf, my-large.cnf, and my-huge.cnf, which are sample option files for small, medium, large, and very large systems. On Windows, the extension is .ini rather than .cnf.

For a binary distribution, look for the sample files in or under your installation directory. If you have a source distribution, look in the support-files directory. To use a sample file as a base configuration file, rename a copy of it and place the copy in the appropriate location. Regarding names and appropriate location, see the general information provided in Section 4.2.3.3, “Using Option Files”. That section also describes option file format and syntax.