how to run mysql from the command line on mac?

Question

I want to run MYSQL from the command line, as in

mysql -u root -p

but it returns

-bash: mysql: command not found

So, need to install it, I think. But then what application exactly do I need to install? I see a dozen applications here: http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/, installed some, but still can't use mysql from the command line.

I'm using mavericks. Thanks a lot

I'd just go with a Vagrant box. Installing server software on your dev box is always a pain, especially on a mac — Phil
– Phil, Commented May 6, 2014 at 3:29
I'd second Phil's recommendation about Vagrant, but if you must have MySQL on your Mac, try here: machiine.com/2013/… — Evan Volgas
– Evan Volgas, Commented May 6, 2014 at 3:31

Mo. · Accepted Answer · 2020-06-02 13:27:51Z

11

MySQL does not separate the server and client downloads, so you basically just need to download the entire MySQL version -- while it will download the binaries for the server it won't actually start or set-up a server unless you explicitly intend to.

You can go to the download URL (http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/) and select "Mac OS X" from platform and download "Mac OS X 10.7 (x86, 64-bit), DMG Archive"

The default MySQL installation installs to /usr/local/mysql which is not in your path, specifically the MySQL client is installed at /usr/local/mysql/bin/mysql

You can specify it exactly to launch the client:

/usr/local/mysql/bin/mysql -u root

If you would like a GUI client I can highly recommend "Sequel Pro" or "MySQL Workbench"

edited Jun 2, 2020 at 13:27

Mo.

27.6k36 gold badges167 silver badges236 bronze badges

answered May 6, 2014 at 3:37

Trent Lloyd

1,8921 gold badge15 silver badges13 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Comment

Evan Volgas Over a year ago

Trent is right. It's worth mentioning as well that you could use MAMP.... if your needs are short term, just use that (or SQLite). If you need to run MySQL on your Mac (which frankly seems a bit unlikely) Trent's response is very good.

Mo. · Accepted Answer · 2020-06-02 13:43:21Z

4

I'll give you a workaround to achieve your wishes...

Create a script to run the specific path for you, lets call it connect_to_my_sql.c:

  #include <stdlib.h>
  int
  main() {
    system("/usr/local/mysql/bin/mysql -u root");
  }

Compile your C script:

  gcc -o mysql connect_to_my_sql.c

Move your binary file (i.e. your mysql file) to a folder in your path:

  mv mysql /usr/local/bin

Now, you should be able to run MySQL by typing mysql everywhere from the terminal.

Alternatively, create an Alias like so:

Open your ~/.bash_profile

  vi ~/.bash_profile

Add following line to your bash_profile:

  alias mysql="/usr/local/mysql/bin/mysql -u root"

Source your bash_profile

  source ~/.bash_profile

Should be able to run MySQL by typing mysql everywhere from the terminal.

edited Jun 2, 2020 at 13:43

Mo.

27.6k36 gold badges167 silver badges236 bronze badges

answered Oct 18, 2015 at 2:54

saqehi

1111 gold badge1 silver badge4 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

how to run mysql from the command line on mac?

2 Answers 2

1 Comment

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

1 Comment

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related