In this post, you will learn how to install Firebird on CentOS 8.
We already know that the database is an essential part of any application. Especially if we have to record transactions or data in it. However, we also know that there are many database management systems. So, which one to choose? It all depends on the circumstances. Therefore, it is good that there are many alternatives. One of them is Firebird.
Firebird is a relational database management system written in C++, open-source and based on Interbase version 6. It uses SQL language which makes its learning curve quite low. It is less known than the highly popular MySQL / MariaDB but also used in large projects for its efficiency.
On the other hand, some of the features of the application are the following:
- It is scalable
- Support the Client/Server architecture by TCP protocol.
- Many drivers are available for various programming languages such as PHP, Java or C++.
- Quite secure in user management.
- Cross-platform. With installable binaries for Windows, Linux, BSD, Solaris, and others.
So, let us do it.
Install Firebird on CentOS 8
1.- Enable the EPEL repository on CentOS 8
The latest available version of Firebird can be obtained by downloading the source code from the project website and then compiling it. However, it is available in the EPEL repository, so we have to enable it.
For this, I recommend you to read our post:
How to enable the EPEL repository on CentOS 8?
There I explain step by step the process.
2.- Install Firebird on CentOS 8
After the repository has been enabled, simply use the following command to perform the installation:
:~# dnf install firebird
During the process, you will have to accept the GPG key from the repository. It will then start the download and installation.
Once you’ve installed it. You can access the program shell with the command:
:~$ isql-fb
In the previous command, you have to run it as the root user.
Inside it you can start working with the application, creating databases and tables.
However, it is recommended to see the configuration file where you can, for example, set a specific directory for the databases. Or specify that anywhere can be created and accessed.
:~$ sudo nano /etc/firebird/firebird.conf
Finally, you can check the help to learn about the firebird command:
:~$ firebird -h
So, enjoy it.
Conclusion
Firebird is a not-so-popular database manager that is quite useful for applications of various kinds. In this post, you’ve learned how to install it on CentOS 8.
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