Why Doesn\'t MySQL Have a `SELECT INTO OUTFILE LOCAL` Feature?

MySQL: Exploring the Absence of SELECT INTO OUTFILE LOCAL

MySQL's SELECT * INTO OUTFILE operation allows for the export of table data to a text file on the server machine. However, when the target file needs to be located on a host other than the server, SELECT INTO OUTFILE is not an option. MySQL documentation suggests using a command like mysql -e "SELECT ..." > file_name instead.

Interestingly, while LOAD DATA INFILE can be modified to LOAD DATA LOCAL INFILE to specify a local file, there is no equivalent SELECT INTO OUTFILE LOCAL. This limitation raises the question of why this functionality is not available.

MySQL manual explains that SELECT ... INTO OUTFILE is primarily intended for rapid data dumping on the server machine. To transfer data to a client host, the recommended approach is to use a command such as the one mentioned above.

In summary, MySQL's SELECT INTO OUTFILE is limited to local file creation, while LOAD DATA LOCAL INFILE provides flexibility for retrieving data from local files. While the reasons behind this design decision are not explicitly addressed in the documentation, it ensures secure data handling practices by limiting the transfer of data outside the server environment.

The above is the detailed content of Why Doesn\'t MySQL Have a `SELECT INTO OUTFILE LOCAL` Feature?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!