mysql_install_db is the program that is responsible for bootstrapping a fresh copy of MySQL and making sure all of the system tables are setup correctly. This program is usually invoked by other programs as part of installation, but in the case of .tar.gz downloads will need to be executed manually.

As part of our ongoing efforts to refactor and improve MySQL, we are looking at converting mysql_install_db from its current Perl script to a program written in C++. The aim of this change is to reduce external dependencies (Perl + a set of modules) and improve our cross-platform experience.

We plan for this transition to be mostly function neutral, but are open to feature requests for additional improvements as well.