How to Send SQL Queries to MySQL from the Command Line

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A simple text-based program called mysql should have been part of your MySQL installation.    It lets you send SQL queries directly to the MySQL server and output the results in text format.  It is a quick and easy way to test your MySQL installation.

Running without the console.

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  • E.g. Windows users: C:mysqlbinmysql.exe
  • E.g. Linux/Unix users: /usr/local/mysql/bin/mysql

Start mysql – At the command prompt, type:

mysql -h hostname -u username -p db_name -e “query”

  • wherehost is the machine where the MySQL server is runningusername is the MySQL account you want to use-p will make mysql prompt you for the MySQL account password.db_name is the name of the database to run the query in, and,query is the query that you want to run.
  • host is the machine where the MySQL server is running
  • username is the MySQL account you want to use
  • -p will make mysql prompt you for the MySQL account password.
  • db_name is the name of the database to run the query in, and,
  • query is the query that you want to run.

Enter your password when prompted.

MySQL should return the result of your query.

Tips

  • Be sure to include ; at the end of your query if you are using the console so it knows you are done with the query.
  • You cans specify the password on the command line by putting it directly after the -p, e.g. mysql -u username -h host -ppassword. Notice there is no space between the -p and the password.
  • If you are running it from the command line and not using the shell, you can use the -B flag (e.g., mysql -u username’ -h host -p db_name -Be “query”) to get the output in batch mode, instead of in the default MySQL tabular mode, for further processing.

Warnings

  • Be sure you check what queries you run before you run them, as you don’t want to accidentally drop a whole database!

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