MySQL Cookbook

Repeating and Editing Queries

Problem

The query you just entered contained an error, and you want to fix it without typing the whole thing again. Or you want to repeat an earlier statement without retyping it.

Solution

Use mysql’s built-in query editor.

Discussion

If you issue a long query only to find that it contains a syntax error, what should you do? Type in the entire corrected query from scratch? No need. mysql maintains a statement history and supports input-line editing. This allows you to recall queries so that you can modify and reissue them easily. There are many, many editing functions, but most people tend to use a small set of commands for the majority of their editing.^[4] A basic set of useful commands is shown in the following table. Typically, you use Up Arrow to recall the previous line, Left Arrow and Right Arrow to move around within the line, and Backspace or Delete to erase characters. To add new characters to the line, just move the cursor to the appropriate spot and type them in. When you’re done editing, press Return to issue the query (the cursor need not be at the end of the line when you do this).

Editing Key	Effect of Key
Up Arrow	Scroll up through statement history
Down Arrow	Scroll down through statement history
Left Arrow	Move left within line
Right Arrow	Move right within line
Ctrl-A	Move to beginning of line
Ctrl-E	Move to end of line
Backspace	Delete previous character
Ctrl-D	Delete character under cursor

Input-line editing is useful ...