# If you are having trouble with mysql not starting
# And having issues with removing it and reinstalling it
# try this
# WARNING - THIS WILL ERASE ALL YOUR DATABASES
# BACK THEM UP FIRST

# in BASH (zsh will not autocomplete '*' )
sudo systemctl stop mysql
sudo apt purge mysql-server mysql-client mysql-common mysql-server-core-* mysql-client-core-*
sudo rm -rf /etc/mysql /var/lib/mysql /var/log/mysql
sudo apt autoremove
sudo apt autoclean
sudo aptitude install mysql-server