How to export a MySQL database to a CSV file
Use SELECT INTO OUTFILE to export a MySQL table to CSV directly, ensuring the MySQL user has FILE privilege and write access to the server's file system.
To export a MySQL database table to a CSV file, you can use the SELECT ... INTO OUTFILE statement directly in MySQL. This method is efficient and doesn't require additional tools. Below are the steps and syntax to do it properly.
1. Use SELECT INTO OUTFILE
This SQL command exports query results directly to a CSV file on the server's filesystem. Make sure you have write permissions in the target directory and that the MySQL user has the FILE privilege.
SELECT column1, column2, column3 INTO OUTFILE '/path/to/your/file.csv' FIELDS TERMINATED BY ',' ENCLOSED BY '"' LINES TERMINATED BY '\n' FROM your_table_name WHERE conditions (optional);
Example:
SELECT id, name, email INTO OUTFILE '/tmp/users.csv' FIELDS TERMINATED BY ',' ENCLOSED BY '"' LINES TERMINATED BY '\n' FROM users;
The resulting file will be comma-separated, with each field enclosed in double quotes and each row on a new line.
2. Key Options Explained
Customize the output format using these clauses:
- FIELDS TERMINATED BY ',' – sets the delimiter (use '\t' for tab).
- ENCLOSED BY '"' – wraps fields in quotes (helpful for text containing commas).
- LINES TERMINATED BY '\n' – sets line breaks (use '\r\n' for Windows).
- ESCAPED BY '\\' – defines escape character (defaults to backslash).
3. File Location and Permissions
The file is saved on the MySQL server machine, not your local client. The path must be writable by the MySQL server process. Common safe paths include /tmp or /var/lib/mysql-files/. Avoid directories outside MySQL’s allowed file operations.
If you get an error like "File '...' already exists", delete the file first or choose a new name.
4. Alternative: Export via Command Line (mysqldump formatting)
If you need more control or are scripting, use mysql client from the terminal:
mysql -u username -p -e "SELECT * FROM your_db.your_table;" --batch --raw | sed 's/\t/,/g' > output.csv
This outputs tab-separated results and converts tabs to commas using sed. Add sed 's/^/"/;s/$/"/;s/,/","/g' if you want fields quoted.
Basically just pick the method that fits your environment. Using SELECT INTO OUTFILE is usually the simplest if you have server access.
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