How Can I Effectively Execute External *.sql Files Within My PHP Applications?

Executing *.sql Files in PHP: Exploring Solutions

Executing .sql files directly from PHP poses unique challenges due to certain edge cases. Statements common in .sql scripts may not be recognized as SQL statements.

Preferred Solution: Leveraging the mysql Tool

The most effective approach is to utilize the mysql tool and invoke it from PHP using functions like shell_exec(). This ensures compatibility with all statements.

Sample Code Utilizing shell_exec()

$command = 'mysql'
        . ' --host=' . $vals['db_host']
        . ' --user=' . $vals['db_user']
        . ' --password=' . $vals['db_pass']
        . ' --database=' . $vals['db_name']
        . ' --execute="SOURCE ' . $script_path
;
$output1 = shell_exec($command . '/site_db.sql"');
$output2 = shell_exec($command . '/site_structure.sql"');

Shell_exec() vs. exec()

Although shell_exec() and exec() both execute external commands, shell_exec() runs the command in a subshell, while exec() runs the command in the current process and does not return until the command completes.

Further Considerations

For extensive database operations, consider using a database abstraction layer like Zend_Db or Doctrine. These layers provide a more convenient and reliable way to interact with databases in PHP.

Related Resources:

• [Loading .sql files from within PHP](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/2586/loading-sql-files-from-within-php)
• [Is it possible to call a sql script from a stored procedure in another sql script?](https://dba.stackexchange.com/questions/216678/is-it-possible-to-call-a-sql-script-from-a-stored-procedure-in-another-sql-script)
• [PHP: multiple SQL queries in one mysql_query statement](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/27075986/php-multiple-sql-queries-in-one-mysql-query-statement)

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