how to set mysql to use utf8 by default?

Question

I would like our centOS server 's mysql setup to use utf8 by default.

Can you tell me which file(s) need to be configured and how?

I know it's a pretty vague question but i'm not familiar with server management. Let me know if you need more details.

Thank you

Answer 1

At compile time use --with-charset=utf8 and --with-collation=utf8_general_ci options to configure.

When creating database or table use DEFAULT CHARACTER SET utf8.

It's in the manual! http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.0/en/create-database.html

Answer 2

See this, this and this...