How to import SQL file to MySQL using Command Line

phpMyAdmin allows importing a file to the selected MySQL database but it takes time to import according to the file size.

If a file is too large then it will give a Timeout error if it exceeds the defined time.

With the use of the Command-Line, you can easily import your SQL file in less time.

In this tutorial, I am using XAMPP in Windows.

How to import SQL file to MySQL using Command Line


Contents

  1. Create Database
  2. Copy SQL file
  3. Open Command Prompt
  4. Output
  5. Conclusion

1. Create Database

  • Open XAMPP and start Apache Server and MySQL Database.
  • First, need to create a database in MySQL.
  • Open phpMyAdmin and create a new database.
  • I have created a tutorial Database.

Create MySQL database using phpMyAdmin


2. Copy SQL file

  • Copy your SQL file to xampp/mysql/bin/ directory.
  • I copied tutorial.sql file.

Copy SQL file to xampp/mysql/bin folder


3. Open Command Prompt

  • Open Command Prompt.
  • Navigate to xampp/mysql/bin/ directory.

Navigate to mysql/bin using Command Prompt

  • Type following command –

Syntax –

mysql -u username -p database_name < file.sql

username = Your MySQL username.

database_name = Database name in which you want to import.

file.sql = SQL file name.

Example –

mysql -u root -p tutorial < tutorial.sql
  • I am importing tutorial.sql file in tutorial Database.
  • Type the password if you have assigned to the user otherwise press Enter.

Run command in CMD to import SQL file to Database


4. Output

  • Open phpMyAdmin and select the database to check tables imported or not.

phpMyAdmin after importing SQL file to database


5. Conclusion

Before executing the import command first create your MySQL database using PHPMyAdmin and copy the SQL file in xampp/mysql/bin folder.

You can view this tutorial to know how you can export MySQL database using Command Line.

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