"Unable to connect to mysql server." despite mariadb running

[Noxyntious]

Arch Linux 5.10.82-1-lts
hi, i'm getting the Unable to connect to mysql server. error despite making sure that both mariadb and redis are running, the gulag database existing, the login working, i've taken all troubleshooting steps that i could think of but nothing worked. keep in mind i am a complete mysql/mariadb noob. i've attached images of my .env and gulag.conf with (hopefully) all the personal data cut out.

[tsunyoku]

is your mysql definitely running on port 3306? (unless you've edited your mysql config, this should be the case)
can you also verify that you are able to get to the mysql shell?

[Noxyntious]

the thing is, there is no other error, i just see this in the shell

[cmyui]

could you try commenting out this line (add a # before it) and see if that resolves your issue? it may also give you a 'real' error we can use

[Noxyntious]

i think i realize my issue now, gulag can't log in to the "root" account. going to try making a new mysql account to see if it will fix anything.

[tsunyoku]

thought so, thanks for letting us know :D

[Noxyntious]

after creating a new user, it seems to work fine now! ty for helping!