How to Run MySQL Queries from the Command Line

This updated guide examines How to Run MySQL Queries from the Command Line and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1

Running without the console.

Find the mysql program (Should be in a subdirectory called bin under the directory where MySQL was installed)
- 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 "
- where
  - 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.

FAQ

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