Description: MARIADB_SOCKET is an environment variable that defines the socket file for connections to MariaDB. This variable is crucial for establishing efficient communication between the client and the database server, especially in environments where local connections are used. The socket is a mechanism that allows communication between processes, and in the case of MariaDB, it is used to facilitate connections without the need to use the network, which can result in improved performance. By specifying the location of the socket file through MARIADB_SOCKET, database administrators can customize their working environment configuration, ensuring that applications connect to the database server correctly and efficiently. This variable is particularly relevant in systems where the use of sockets is common for inter-application communication. In summary, MARIADB_SOCKET is an essential tool for configuring and optimizing connections in environments using MariaDB, allowing for more effective database management and enhancing the end-user experience.