Installation on MacOS, Linux and Windows

Installing Firebird

This guide covers installing Firebird 4.0 (the latest stable version) on various operating systems. Firebird offers different server architectures, so choose the one that best fits your needs.

Server Architecture Options

Before installing, understand the available architectures:

  • SuperServer: Best for many concurrent users with shared cache
  • Classic: Process-per-connection model, good for few heavy users
  • SuperClassic: Hybrid approach with thread-per-connection
  • Embedded: In-process, serverless deployment

Installation on Windows

Using the Installer (Recommended)

  1. Download the latest Firebird 4.0 installer from firebirdsql.org

    • Choose 64-bit or 32-bit based on your system
    • File format: Firebird-4.0.x.xxxxx-0_x64.exe

  2. Run the installer as Administrator:

    • Right-click the installer → "Run as administrator"

  3. Follow the installation wizard:

    • Accept the license agreement
    • Choose installation directory (default: C:\Program Files\Firebird\Firebird_4_0)
    • Select components (Server, Client, Developer files)
    • Choose server architecture (SuperServer recommended for most users)
    • Set the SYSDBA password (remember this!)
    • Choose to run as a service (recommended)

  4. Verify installation:

    

    5. 



Using ZIP Archive


    

  1. Download the ZIP archive from the official website
    2. 

  2. Extract to your desired location
    3. 

  3. Run install_service.bat as Administrator
    4. 

  4. Configure firebird.conf as needed
    5. 



Installation on Linux


Ubuntu/Debian (Using APT)




Using Official Packages (Recommended)


    

  1. 

    Download the appropriate package:
    

    

    2. 

  2. 

    Run the installation script:
    

    

    3. 

  3. 

    During installation:
    

      

    • Press Enter to start installation
      • 

    • Enter new SYSDBA password when prompted
      • 

    • Choose to start Firebird at boot (recommended)
      • 

    

    4. 

  4. 

    Verify installation:
    

    

    5. 



CentOS/RHEL/Fedora




Installation on macOS


Using Homebrew




Manual Installation


    

  1. Download the macOS package from firebirdsql.org
    2. 

  2. Open the .pkg file and follow the installer
    3. 

  3. Add Firebird to your PATH:

    

    4. 



Post-Installation Configuration


1. Change SYSDBA Password




2. Configure firebird.conf


Location varies by platform:


    

  • Windows: C:\Program Files\Firebird\Firebird_4_0\firebird.conf
    • 

  • Linux: /opt/firebird/firebird.conf
    • 

  • macOS: /Library/Frameworks/Firebird.framework/Resources/firebird.conf
    • 



Common settings to adjust:




3. Create Your First Database




Installing GUI Tools


FlameRobin (Cross-platform)


    

  1. Download from flamerobin.org
    2. 

  2. Install for your platform
    3. 

  3. Create a new server registration:

      

    • Server: localhost
      • 

    • Port: 3050
      • 

    • Username: SYSDBA
      • 

    • Password: your password
      • 

    

    4. 



DBeaver (Universal Database Tool)


    

  1. Download from dbeaver.io
    2. 

  2. Install Firebird driver when prompted
    3. 

  3. Create new connection with Firebird type
    4. 



Verifying Installation


Test your installation with these commands:




Troubleshooting


Common Issues


    

  1. 

    Port 3050 already in use
    

      

    • Check if another Firebird instance is running
      • 

    • Change port in firebird.conf
      • 

    

    2. 

  2. 

    Authentication errors
    

      

    • Ensure correct SYSDBA password
      • 

    • Check AuthServer/AuthClient settings
      • 

    • For legacy applications, enable Legacy_Auth
      • 

    

    3. 

  3. 

    Cannot create database
    

      

    • Check file permissions
      • 

    • Verify DatabaseAccess setting
      • 

    • Ensure sufficient disk space
      • 

    

    4. 

  4. 

    Service won't start
    

      

    • Check firebird.log for errors
      • 

    • Verify no other instances running
      • 

    • Check file permissions on Firebird directory
      • 

    

    5. 



Next Steps


Now that Firebird is installed:


    

  1. Learn basic SQL commands
    2. 

  2. Create your first database
    3. 

  3. Explore Firebird's unique features
    4. 

  4. Set up regular backups with gbak
    5.