MySQL Select Database on Linux via Command Line

When working with MySQL on Linux, you might find yourself needing to switch between databases for various tasks. Selecting a specific database allows you to perform operations and queries within that database's context. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps to select a MySQL database using the command line on Linux. By the end of this tutorial, you'll be able to seamlessly switch between databases and perform operations with ease.

Steps to Select Database on Linux via Command Line

1. Open the Terminal
2. Access MySQL Command Line
3. List Databases
4. Select a Database
5. Verify Database Selection
6. Perform Database Operations

1. Open the Terminal

To begin, open the terminal on your Linux machine. You can usually find it in the Applications menu or use the keyboard shortcut `Ctrl+Alt+T`.

2. Access MySQL Command Line

To get started, open your terminal and access the MySQL command line interface using the following command:

mysql -u your_username -p

Replace your_username with your actual MySQL username. You will be prompted to enter your password.

3. List Databases

Once you're in the MySQL command line, you can list all the databases available by running the following command:

SHOW DATABASES;

This will display a list of databases that you have access to.

4. Select a Database

To select a specific database, use the USE command followed by the database name you want to switch to. For example:

USE your_database_name;

Replace your_database_name with the name of the database you wish to select.

5. Verify Database Selection

To ensure that you've successfully selected the desired database, you can run the following command:

SELECT DATABASE();

This will display the name of the currently selected database.

6. Perform Database Operations

Once you have selected the desired database, you can perform various operations such as creating tables, inserting data, querying data, and more.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've learned how to select a MySQL database using the command line on Linux. Being able to switch between databases is essential for performing specific tasks and managing data efficiently.

By following the simple steps outlined in this blog post, you can confidently select the appropriate database for your MySQL operations and queries, making your development process smoother.

Happy coding! 😊