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.

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Contents

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

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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.

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2. Copy SQL file

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

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3. Open Command Prompt

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

• 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.

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4. Output

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

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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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