Execute SQL script from command line

sql

sqlcmd

automation

backup

byAnton Shumikhin·Aug 4, 2024

To execute a SQL script from the command line, match the tool to your SQL database. Here's your quick guide:

MySQL/MariaDB:
```
mysql -u user -p db_name < file.sql
```
PostgreSQL:
```
psql -U user -d db_name -f file.sql
```

SQL Server:

sqlcmd -S server -d db_name -U user -P password -i file.sql

SQLite:
```
sqlite3 db_name < file.sql
```

Replace user, db_name, file.sql, server, and password with your specific credentials and the path to your SQL file. Then, blow the command line trumpet and let your database dance.

Fine-Tuning SQL commands

Embrace Integrated Security with sqlcmd

Rather than risking credentials exposure through the command line, use -E flag to harness Integrated Security with sqlcmd.

sqlcmd -S server -d db_name -E -i file.sql

Master single command execution

Solve small problems swiftly with -Q flag—an express ticket to run a single SQL statement and finish the sqlcmd session.

sqlcmd -S server -d db_name -E -Q "SELECT * FROM my_table"

Redirect output to a file

Channel the output to a file using -o flag for later data digestion or record keeping.

sqlcmd -S server -d db_name -E -i file.sql -o output.txt

Secure and Automate your Script Execution

Safeguard sensitive information

To prevent your password from taking a public walk, prefer Integrated Security or lean on configuration files and environment variables.

Automate with batch files and sqlcmd

sqlcmd + batch scripting = your arsenal for automating and streamlining database operations. Make sure to test in multiple scenarios for seamless implementation.