Import a .sql file to a MySql database

Question

I want to import a SQL file through the command line interface.

I have tried the following code:

mysql -u username -p database_name < file.sql

This gives me a syntax error. Any help is appreciated.

that syntax looks fine, what output did it give? does the user you're specifying have the appropriate permissions for that database? — flauntster
– flauntster, Commented Apr 14, 2015 at 8:02
The syntax error is located in the sql file, not in the command (if the error message came from the mysql server). Check the file and correct any errors. — Pred
– Pred, Commented Apr 14, 2015 at 14:02
Your syntax is fine, there is probably an error on your SQL file. Try breaking it to smaller chunks to find the error. — noinstance
– noinstance, Commented Apr 14, 2015 at 14:11
Now, I used ' -uroot -proot database name ' and then 'source (path)\filename.sql ' and it is working..Now the problem which i am facing is that from the command prompt it is showing all the tables which are contaning in that file but when I am accessing it through MySQL it only shows the database name not the tables or any data in that — Vishal Varshney
– Vishal Varshney, Commented Apr 16, 2015 at 5:41

Bram · Accepted Answer · 2015-04-14 14:10:31Z

1

The syntax is:

mysql -u <username> -p <database> < textfile.sql

If you do it like this the file needs to be in the same directory you are currently in. If you know where the file is you can do:

mysql -u <username> -p <database> < /path/to/file/textfile.sql

answered Apr 14, 2015 at 13:40

Bram

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1 Comment

OP wants to import, which is done with the < character.