Question

I already have a mysql server setup via MAMP.

But when trying to install the mysql Rails client (gem install mysql2) I get the following error:

   ERROR: Failed to build gem native extension.
    /Users/krisgandhi/.rvm/rubies/ruby-1.9.3-p194/bin/ruby extconf.rb
    checking for mysql_query() in -lmysqlclient... no
    checking for main() in -lm... yes
    checking for mysql_query() in -lmysqlclient... no
    checking for main() in -lz... yes
    checking for mysql_query() in -lmysqlclient... no
    checking for main() in -lsocket... no
    checking for mysql_query() in -lmysqlclient... no
    checking for main() in -lnsl... no
    checking for mysql_query() in -lmysqlclient... no
    checking for main() in -lmygcc... no
    checking for mysql_query() in -lmysqlclient... no
    *** extconf.rb failed ***
    Could not create Makefile due to some reason, probably lack of necessary libraries and/or headers.  Check the mkmf.log file for more details.  You may need configuration options.

Answer 1

I think you should remove mysql from MAMP. And try:

brew install mysql

Or alternatively install from here, find a suitable dmg:

http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/