You can start the MySQL server directly as described here. But most Linux distribution comes to special start and stop script. First, you must login as the root user. Use su – command to login as the root user.

If you are using Red Hat Linux / Fedora Linux:
Start MySQL

# service mysql start

OR

# /etc/init.d/mysql start

Stop MySQL

# service mysql stop

OR

# /etc/init.d/mysql stop

If you are using Debian Linux:
Start MySQL

# /etc/init.d/mysql start

Stop MySQL

# /etc/init.d/mysql stop

If you are using FreeBSD:
Open /etc/rc.conf file and add following line:

vi /etc/rc.conf

And append following line:

mysql_enable=”YES”

To Start MySQL under FreeBSD:

#/usr/local/etc/rc.d/mysql-server.sh start

To Stop MySQL under FreeBSD:

#/usr/local/etc/rc.d/mysql-server.sh stop