How to Select a Database in MySQL from the Command Line

The short answer

USE YourDatabaseName;

Where MySQL runs

You may use a local server on Linux or Windows, or a remote server. The command is the same in both cases.

Before you start

On Windows, check that the MySQL service runs. Open Command Prompt as administrator and go to the MySQL bin folder:

sc query MySQL80

(The service name depends on the version; MySQL80 is for 8.0.)

Log in

mysql -u YourUserName -p

Enter your password when asked.

List the databases

SHOW DATABASES;

Select a database

USE YourDatabaseName;

Example:

USE world;

MySQL answers Database changed. From now on, queries run on that database. Check the current one:

SELECT DATABASE();

Select a database when you log in

You can choose the host, the port and the database in one command:

mysql -h ServerNameOrIP -P PortNumber -u UserName -p -D DatabaseName

Example:

mysql -h localhost -P 3306 -u Amin -p -D world

Tips

• Names on Linux are case-sensitive for databases and tables.
• If you get Unknown database, check the spelling with SHOW DATABASES;.
• If you get Access denied, the user has no rights on that database.

Quick recap

• mysql -u user -p, then SHOW DATABASES; and USE name;.