How to import SQL files using command line in MySQL?

Question

I have a .sql file that contains an export from phpMyAdmin. I want to import it into a different server using the command line.

I installed Windows Server 2008 R2. I placed the .sql file on C drive and tried this command

database_name < file.sql

It doesn't work. I'm getting a syntax error.

• How can I successfully import this file?
• Do I need to create a database first?

Answer 1

mysqldump A common use is to back up the entire database:

mysqldump db_name > backup-file.sql

You can load the dump file back to the server as follows:

Unix

mysql db_name < backup-file.sql

Same in Windows Command Prompt:

mysql -p -u [user] [database] < backup-file.sql

PowerShell

cmd.exe /c "mysql -u root -p db_name < backup-file.sql"

MySQL command line

mysql> use db_name;
mysql> source backup-file.sql;

Answer 2

try:

mysql -u username -p database_name < file.sql

Check MySQL Options.

Note 1: It is best to use the full path of the SQL file file.sql.

Note 2: Use -R and --triggers with mysqldump to save the original database of routines and triggers. They are not copied by default.

Note 3 If the database does not exist yet and the exported SQL does not contain CREATE DATABASE (exported using --no-create-db or -n option) before importing it.