The ndb_mgm management client process is actually not needed to run the cluster. Its value lies in providing a set of commands for checking the cluster's status, starting backups, and performing other administrative functions. The management client accesses the management server using a C API. Advanced users can also employ this API for programming dedicated management processes to perform tasks similar to those performed by ndb_mgm.

To start the management client, it is necessary to supply the hostname and port number of the management server:

shell> ndb_mgm [host_name [port_num]]

For example:

shell> ndb_mgm ndb_mgmd.mysql.com 1186

The default hostname and port number are localhost and 1186, respectively. (Prior to MySQL 4.1.8, the default Cluster port was 2200.)

Additional information about using ndb_mgm can be found in Section 15.6.5.4, “Command Options for ndb_mgm”, and Section 15.7.2, “Commands in the MySQL Cluster Management Client”.