Importing a Database Using MySQL

1. Prerequisites

Before importing a database, ensure that:

• MySQL or MariaDB is installed and running.

• You have access to the MySQL client (command-line tool).

• You have a valid .sql dump file (e.g., database.sql).

• You have the necessary username and password to access the MySQL server.

• The target database already exists (or you have permission to create one).

2. Command-Line Method

You can import a database directly from the Command Prompt or Terminal.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

Navigate to the MySQL bin directory (if not already in PATH):

cd C:\xampp\mysql\bin

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Step 2: Access MySQL

Login to MySQL using:

mysql -u root -p

Then, enter your MySQL password when prompted.

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Step 3: (Optional) Create a Database

If the target database doesn’t exist, create one:

CREATE DATABASE fisheriesexp1;

Then exit MySQL:

quit;

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Step 4: Import the .sql File

Run the import command:

mysql -u root -p fisheriesexp1 < C:\Users\Administrator\Downloads\fisheriesexp.sql

Explanation:

• -u root → Username (root)

• -p → Prompts for password

• fisheriesexp1 → Target database name

• < → Tells MySQL to read from the SQL file

• C:\Users\Administrator\Downloads\fisheriesexp.sql → Path to your SQL dump file

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3. Alternative: Using phpMyAdmin

If you’re using XAMPP, you can import databases visually via phpMyAdmin:

1. Start Apache and MySQL from XAMPP Control Panel.

2. Open your browser and visit:

   http://localhost/phpmyadmin

3. Create a new database (if not exists).

4. Select the database → Go to Import tab.

5. Choose your .sql file → Click Go.