MySQL Cookbook, 4th Edition

Chapter 2. Using MySQL Shell

2.0 Introduction

We discussed the mysql Client Program in Chapter 1. MySQL Shell is the modern alternative client. In addition to SQL, it supports nonrelational syntax for the database queries, also known as NoSQL, via the JavaScript or Python programming interface and provides a set of features to automate routine tasks.

In this chapter, we will discuss how to do the following:

• Connect to MySQL Shell and select the right protocol

• Select the SQL, JavaScript, or Python interface

• Use both SQL and NoSQL syntax

• Control the output format

• Use MySQL Shell’s built-in utilities

• Write a script to automate your custom needs

• Use the Admin API

• Reuse your scripts

Although MySQL Shell is a standard tool for certain tasks, it is not included in MySQL packages and needs to be installed separately. You can download it from the MySQL Shell download page or using the standard package manager of your operating system. We won’t cover MySQL Shell installation in this book, because it is straightforward.

The MySQL Shell’s command name is mysqlsh. You can invoke it by typing mysqlsh in the terminal.

MySQL Shell supports two protocols: the Classic MySQL protocol (similar to the one the mysql client uses) and the new X protocol. The X protocol is a modern protocol that communicates with the MySQL server on a separate port (the default is 33060). It supports both SQL and NoSQL APIs and provides an asynchronous API, allowing clients to send multiple queries to the server without waiting ...