Terminal & mysql

Question

I have the GUI tools for mysql and have no problem creating and accessing databases through these tools, but I am unable to do anything with mysql through the terminal window.
As a novice with the terminal and unix were should I start as no mysql command works at all.
Thanks

Answer 1

I use mysql from terminal all the time. Normally, it is installed into "/usr/local/bin", but that directory is not in your default path. I have a ".bashrc" file in my home directory that has the following:
if [ -d "/usr/local/sbin" ]; then
export PATH="/usr/local/sbin:${PATH}"
fi
if [ -d "/usr/local/bin" ]; then
export PATH="/usr/local/bin:${PATH}"
fi
Generally, you want the /usr/local directories first and those statements do it. This will make it work everytime that you start up Terminal. As an experiment, just enter the export commands when you start up terminal and then try the mysql command below.
If that is not your problem, but you can't start mysql. You use:
mysql -p -u xyzzy<return>
where xyzzy is your mysql user name. Then you will be prompted for your mysql password. Assuming you logged on, you can enter the sql commands from there. Make you that you end each one with a ';'. Also,'quit;' gets you out of mysql.
By your description, I wasn't exactly sure what your problem is. If it is neither above, could you give me more details? Like error messages or a transcript of your interaction with mysql.
Terminal has a handy feature. You use AppleKey+k to clear the terminal screen/log. Then enter your commands. Then use the terminal menu, File->Save Text as..., to save the terminal log as text to a file. If it is not too long, then you can post it in a message here.
HTH
Disregard the lines being drawn through '-d "/usr/local/..."', it must be a formatting command to the discussion group somehow. Just use the stuff behind it.
Message was edited by: Bob White