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mysqlbashescaping

Escape variable mysql password

I have a mysql password that starts with a space. I want to put this password into a variable and then use it to connect in a bash script.

this works fine:

mysql -u me -p' examplepw'

but this does not:

pw=" examplepw"
mysql -u me -p'$pw'

because the single quotes make the variable name be interpreted literally (ie. mysql does not recognise the string $pw as a valid password).

How can I use a variable to hold a mysql password that requires escaping?

Solution

  • ${} expands a variable.

    PASS=" 12345678"
mysql -u me -p"${PASS}"

    In this case, ${PASS} is extended to 12345678