Practical MySQL & MariaDB

How to Check Your MySQL Version (CLI, phpMyAdmin, Workbench)

Basic Operations
目次

1. Introduction

Why Checking Your MySQL Version Matters
MySQL is widely used in many web applications and websites as an open-source relational database management system. However, depending on the MySQL version you are using, there may be potential security vulnerabilities or compatibility issues with certain features. For this reason, it is important to check your MySQL version and update to the latest stable release when needed. In this article, we will explain in detail how to check your MySQL version and why it is important.

When You Should Check the Version
Checking your MySQL version is one of the tasks you should do regularly. In particular, it becomes necessary when you want to use new features or when you need to apply security updates. It is also essential during system migrations or server upgrades.

2. MySQL Version Check Basics

2.1 Checking the Version with SELECT VERSION();

The easiest way to check your MySQL version is to run the SQL command SELECT VERSION();. This command directly retrieves and displays the MySQL server version. Specifically, you can enter the command as follows:

SELECT VERSION();

Example Output and Explanation

When you run this command, MySQL will display version information like the following:

+-----------+
| version() |
+-----------+
| 8.0.25    |
+-----------+

2.2 Checking the Version with the status Command

Another method is to use the status command to check the version. This command displays MySQL status information, which includes the version details. Run it like this:

status

Example Output

--------------
mysql  Ver 8.0.25 for debian-linux-gnu on x86_64
...
Server version: 8.0.25 MySQL Community Server - GPL
--------------

3. How to Check the MySQL Version by Environment

3.1 Checking from the Command Line

The method for checking the MySQL version from the command line differs slightly depending on the operating system.

Steps for Mac and Windows

  • For Mac
    Open Terminal and run the following command:
  mysql -u root -p -e "SELECT VERSION();"
  • For Windows
    Open Command Prompt, move to the MySQL installation directory, and then run the following:
  mysql -u root -p -e "SELECT VERSION();"

3.2 Checking from phpMyAdmin

If you are using phpMyAdmin, you can easily check the version in your web browser. Follow these steps:

  1. Log in to phpMyAdmin.
  2. The version is shown in the “MySQL version” section on the right side of the screen.
  3. Alternatively, you can go to the SQL tab and run the SELECT VERSION(); command to check it.

3.3 Checking from MySQL Workbench

MySQL Workbench is a GUI tool for managing MySQL. You can also check the version using this tool.

  1. Open MySQL Workbench.
  2. Select the database you want to connect to, and the version will be displayed in the information panel on the right.
  3. Alternatively, you can open the SQL editor and run the SELECT VERSION(); command to check it.

4. Important Notes About MySQL Versions

4.1 Version Compatibility and Updates

Depending on the MySQL version, certain features may be added or removed. To ensure system compatibility, careful testing is required when updating. In particular, database migrations between versions can sometimes cause compatibility issues, so it is important to review the release notes in advance and create backups before proceeding.

4.2 Backups and a Test Environment Before Upgrading

Before upgrading, it is strongly recommended to create backups and verify how the new version behaves in a test environment. This makes it possible to respond quickly if problems occur and helps maintain system stability.

5. FAQ Related to Checking the MySQL Version

5.1 Common Questions and Answers

  • Q1: What should I do if I can’t check the MySQL version?
    A: If you cannot check the MySQL version, confirm that MySQL is installed correctly and that your environment variables are properly configured. In some cases, you may not be able to check it due to permission restrictions, so try running the command with administrator privileges.
  • Q2: What should I be careful about when upgrading MySQL?
    A: When upgrading, compatibility issues may occur, so be sure to create a backup before updating and test everything in a staging/test environment. It is also important to review the latest release notes and understand what has changed.
  • Q3: What are the risks of using an old MySQL version?
    A: If you are using an older version of MySQL, it may contain security vulnerabilities. This increases the risk of unauthorized access or data leaks, so regular updates are necessary.

5.2 Troubleshooting Tips

  • If MySQL does not start, check the error logs to identify the cause.
  • If issues occur after an upgrade, restore from a backup so you can roll back to the previous version.

6. Summary

Key Points for Checking the MySQL Version

Checking your MySQL version is extremely important for both security and functionality. Since you can easily check it using commands like SELECT VERSION(); and status, make it a habit to run these checks regularly and use the latest stable release whenever possible.

Recommendation: Regular Checks and Using the Latest Version

By checking your version regularly, you can reduce security risks and take full advantage of new features and optimizations. To avoid security vulnerabilities, review upgrade notifications and release notes periodically, and update to the latest version as needed.

For Better MySQL Management Going Forward

Because MySQL features and performance can vary depending on the version, checking and managing your version properly is essential for optimal operations. Through version management, you can optimize database performance and maintain security, improving the reliability of your overall system.

7. References and Additional Resources

  • Official MySQL Documentation
    The official MySQL documentation provides release notes and update information for each version. It is recommended to refer to the official documentation when checking your version or performing updates.
  • MySQL Documentation

Related Tools

  • phpMyAdmin: A tool that allows you to manage MySQL through a web browser, making it easy to check the version as well.
  • phpMyAdmin
  • MySQL Workbench: A GUI tool you can use for MySQL design and administration.
  • MySQL Workbench

Use these resources to manage MySQL versions and perform updates more efficiently.