MySQL hell... can't connect to database /tmp/mysql.sock

Question

Update: I've STOPPED the older mysql process which was running and causing some confusion. Now I think I have only the newer (5.1.40) version running. BUT, it's pointing to the wrong data file. It's pointing to a default install data file and I'd like it to point to the existing data file in /var/mysql. Here's a portion of /etc/my.cnf

# The following options will be passed to all MySQL clients
[client]
#password   = your_password
port        = 3306
socket      = /var/mysql/mysql.sock

# Here follows entries for some specific programs

# The MySQL server
[mysqld]
port        = 3306
socket      = /var/mysql/mysql.sock

this is pointing to the older mysql.sock. I can't seem to find in the directory tree of the newer MySQL install?!? unless it's somewhere obscure.

Anyone help? Basically I installed a newer MySQL and now need to get this new version to launch with my existing data. And sort out this mysql.sock thing....

---

I've recently updated MySQL on Mac OS X Server and am having a hell of a time connecting to it from a rails app. or consistently from the command-line for that matter.

i'm sure this is an obvious error on my part but I only have moderate command-line experience so hoping someone can help...

also related is my rails app no longer can connect. Failing to connect via /tmp/mysql.sock but I'm not sure why it's looking there because there is no mysql.sock in /tmp and I don't know what/where it should be....

Edit: adding results from mysql_config --sockets

$ mysql_config --sockets
Usage: /usr/local/mysql/bin/mysql_config [OPTIONS]
Options:
        --cflags         [-I/usr/local/mysql/include  -g -Os -arch ppc -fno-common   -D_P1003_1B_VISIBLE -DSIGNAL_WITH_VIO_CLOSE -DSIGNALS_DONT_BREAK_READ -DIGNORE_SIGHUP_SIGQUIT  -DDONT_DECLARE_CXA_PURE_VIRTUAL]
        --include        [-I/usr/local/mysql/include]
        --libs           [-arch ppc  -L/usr/local/mysql/lib -lmysqlclient -lz -lm     -lmygcc]
        --libs_r         [-arch ppc  -L/usr/local/mysql/lib -lmysqlclient_r -lz -lm     -lmygcc]
        --plugindir      [/usr/local/mysql/lib/plugin]
        --socket         [/tmp/mysql.sock]
        --port           [0]
        --version        [5.1.40]
        --libmysqld-libs [-arch ppc  -L/usr/local/mysql/lib -lmysqld -ldl  -lz -lm       -lmygcc]

Edit2 which mysql_config

$ which mysql_config
/usr/local/mysql/bin/mysql_config

Answer 1

You are trying to use different sockets for the server and client. Your Rails is trying to connect to /tmp/mysql.sock, by MySQL is listening on /var/mysql/mysql.sock.

Normally MySQL configuration is stored in /etc/my.cnf, but in your ps your output I see socket path is given as a parameter. So really depends on your system's specifics.

Anyway, look in /etc/my.cnf and your database.yml and make sure mysql.sock appears at the same path in both files.