How to Install flask-mysqldb on Python 3.9 in Linux

Learn how to successfully install `flask-mysqldb` on your Linux distribution with Python 3.9. This guide provides troubleshooting tips for common errors.
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How to Install flask-mysqldb on Python 3.9 in Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

If you're a developer using Python and Flask, you might want to integrate MySQL into your project using flask-mysqldb. However, installing this package can come with its challenges, especially on specific Python versions or systems. In this guide, we'll address one such issue encountered during the installation of flask-mysqldb on Python 3.9 on a Linux operating system, specifically Pop!_OS 20.04.

The Problem

Recently, a user attempted to install flask-mysqldb using the following command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Unfortunately, they encountered a series of installation errors that indicated missing components, specifically mysql_config and Python.h. Below are the notable sections of the error message:

OSError: mysql_config not found

fatal error: Python.h: No such file or directory

This is a common challenge many developers face when they lack the necessary development dependencies for building Python packages that rely on native extensions.

Understanding the Solution

To resolve this issue, we need to ensure that the required development tools and headers are installed. Below, we break down the steps necessary to successfully install flask-mysqldb.

Step 1: Install Required Dependencies

For MySQL or MariaDB: You will need the client libraries installed for MySQL or MariaDB. Use the following command to install the development headers:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

For Python Development Headers: Since the error mentions a missing Python.h, you will also need the Python development package. For Python 3.9, the command is as follows:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

These packages provide the necessary header files and configurations for compiling flask-mysqldb and its dependencies.

Step 2: Re-attempt Installation of flask-mysqldb

Now that you've installed the needed packages, you can attempt to install flask-mysqldb again using the command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Final Thoughts

After following the steps above, you should be able to successfully install flask-mysqldb without encountering the previous errors. This process highlights the importance of ensuring all dependencies are in place when working with Python packages that require compilation from source.

If issues persist, double-check that your Python environment is correctly configured, and consider consulting the documentation for any package-specific requirements.

By addressing the dependencies upfront, you can save yourself time and frustration during your development process. Happy coding!