mysqlshow

Additional Notes

mysqlshow lists databases, tables, and columns in a MySQL or MariaDB server. It provides a quick way to inspect the database schema without writing SQL queries. It can show database names, table names, column definitions, and index information.

It is useful for exploring unfamiliar databases, verifying schema changes, and scripting database inventory tasks.

Syntax

mysqlshow [options] [database [table [column]]]

Parameters

• database: The database to show tables from. If omitted, all databases are listed.
• table: The table to show columns from. Requires a database name.
• column: The column to show details for. Requires both a database and table name.

Common Options

• -u user, --user=user: MySQL user to connect as.
• -p, --password: Prompt for a password.
• -h host, --host=host: Connect to the specified host.
• -P port, --port=port: Port number.
• -t, --show-table-type: Show the table type for each table.
• -k, --keys: Show indexes for the table.
• -i, --status: Show additional table status information (row count, data size, etc.).
• --count: Show row count for tables.
• -v, --verbose: Verbose output.

Examples

mysqlshow -u root -p

List all databases on the server.

mysqlshow -u root -p mydb

List all tables in the mydb database.

mysqlshow -u root -p mydb users

Show all columns in the users table.

mysqlshow -u root -p mydb users email

Show details for the email column in the users table.

mysqlshow -u root -p -k mydb users

Show indexes on the users table.

mysqlshow -u root -p -i mydb

Show tables with extended status (engine, row count, size).

Practical Notes

• Without arguments, mysqlshow requires the SHOW DATABASES privilege.
• The --count option is useful for quickly comparing row counts across tables.
• For more detailed schema inspection, use mysqldump --no-data or connect with mysql and run DESCRIBE table;.