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mysqlsql

Check if MySQL table exists without using "select from" syntax?

Is there a way to check if a table exists without selecting and checking values from it?

That is, I know I can go SELECT testcol FROM testtable and check the count of fields returned, but it seems there must be a more direct / elegant way to do it.

Solution

  • If you want to be correct, use INFORMATION_SCHEMA.

    SELECT * 
FROM information_schema.tables
WHERE table_schema = 'yourdb' 
    AND table_name = 'testtable'
LIMIT 1;

    Alternatively, you can use SHOW TABLES

    SHOW TABLES LIKE 'yourtable';

    If there is a row in the resultset, table exists.