MySQL Shell

CLI Interfaces are usually boring, ASCII-ish functional interfaces that are as about as exciting as paint drying or end user license agreements for your rice steamer. They get the job done but no excitement. The new MySQL Shell (mysqlsh instead of mysql at the command line is a great new tool but like its predecessor it is not exactly visually dynamic.

Until Now.

At labs.mysql.com there is a new version of the MySQL Shell that adds some new functionality and some visual enticements. I was in a session at Oracle OpenWorld and was impressed by not only the visually stunning upgrade but by the fact that we now get command auto-completion!

You can login as you did with the old shell but then you see that little bit of information in the command line. Pretty, for a CLI.

Security too

So connect to a database and then check your status. And pow! your connected with SSL. I am running the MySQL 8.0.3 RC and the labs release of the shell but I did not set up SSL/TLS, but there is it.

Command Completion

And there is even command completion. Few of us cam remember all the syntax for MySQL Syntax plus all the table or schema info.Take this example. I switch into SQL mode (note the notice about loading the auto-completion information). The first query I got to SELECT * FROM and then hit a tab. Auto-completion wisely asked if I wanted all 752 possibilities. Then I entered SELECT * FROM ci before entering a tab. i was given two options, one for CIPHER and the other for the table city.

Please Test

Please download this prospective new shell from Labs.MySQL.Com, kick the tires, and send feedback.