MySQL: SyntaxError: Unexpected identifier

Question

I just installed MySQL on my computer and when I try to create a database from the MySQL shell, I get this error:

MySQL  JS > CREATE DATABASE databasename;
SyntaxError: Unexpected identifier

Does anyone know why this is happening? Is there a problem with the installation of MySQL?

What is that `JS >` prompt? Are you sure you're even running this from MySQL? — Tim Biegeleisen, Jun 01 '18 at 14:20
Yes, I can't remember what client it is, but one of the command line clients you get defaults to the JS mode when you start it — Max Carroll, Apr 22 '20 at 05:54

score 137 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 01 '18 at 14:18

137

By looking at this thread here, it looks like you might be using the shell in js mode, you might be able to toggle it off by using the switch

\sql

https://forums.mysql.com/read.php?10,661192,661203#msg-661203

answered Jun 01 '18 at 14:18

Max Carroll

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And just in case it isn't painfully obvious you can tell whether you are in JS mode or SQL mode as there will be a JS or SQL immediately following the initial MySqQL prompt – Austin737 Jun 02 '19 at 05:09
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A nice noob life saver – Average JS enjoyer Jan 20 '20 at 04:38
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but why is the JS mode the default? why is there even a JS mode to begin with? – Cpt. Senkfuss Jun 16 '20 at 16:04
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That is a good question! In the documentation here https://downloads.mysql.com/docs/mysql-shell-8.0-en.pdf it says that javascript is the default mode, but it doesn't say why – Max Carroll Jun 17 '20 at 00:02
Wow, this was more obscure than expected. Kinda weird that you can't get any help command from JS – AlexKalopsia Apr 23 '21 at 08:33
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It's stupid that mySQL8 starts in JS mode, where you can't run SQL commands. – Andrew Koper May 21 '21 at 21:46
Thanks for the info! I just downloaded mysql and wanted to do a very quick test and color me surprised when not even a SELECT 1 worked and instead everything were throwing syntax errors. Who in their right mind decided JS was good default ??? – Alex. S. Aug 17 '21 at 23:46
I get the error when invoking a script from cmd with mac like `mysqlsh -u .. -p .. -h amazon.. < script.sql`. Seems like `mysqlsh` reads the script in `js` mode.. – Timo May 17 '22 at 16:06

score 54 · Answer 2 · edited Aug 18 '19 at 08:21

54

You can type:

Mysql JS>  \sql
Mysql SQL>  \connect root@localhost

and provide your password.

edited Aug 18 '19 at 08:21

Brian Tompsett - 汤莱恩

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answered Aug 18 '19 at 08:02

Rahul Prasad

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Thanks, that really helped – MAx Shvedov Apr 03 '20 at 15:21
This is the best answer. – Ousama Jul 02 '21 at 09:37
Is there a way to modify the MySQL shell so that it loads in \sql mode by default? – Smaranjit Ghose Dec 29 '21 at 18:04
I was on the verge of deleting MySQL, if not for your comment. – Surya Tej Dec 31 '21 at 07:23

Melanie Shebel · Answer 3 · 2021-02-16T20:01:51.320

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Logging in as follows did work as shown by Rahul in another answer:

Mysql JS>  \sql
Mysql SQL>  \connect root@localhost

However, I was able to get Mysql> instead of Mysql JS> or Mysql SQL> by opening the Windows command prompt and entering the following:

mysql -u root -p

edited Feb 16 '21 at 20:01

answered Feb 06 '21 at 14:04

Melanie Shebel

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score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Dec 21 '21 at 03:49

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try using connect root@localhost and then try \sql to switch to sql mode if the default mode is JS.

answered Dec 21 '21 at 03:49

Hari Ravi

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For Mysql JS> \sql – Ashutosh Kushawaha Dec 21 '21 at 06:49
How does this answer add anything to the existing and highly upvoted answers? Please do not post redundant answers, but - once you have gained the rep - upvote existing ones instead. – buddemat Dec 21 '21 at 13:12

score 0 · Answer 5 · answered Feb 07 '22 at 18:18

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After using \connect root@localhost code, I am still getting the following error, even after putting in my password: MySQL Error 2003 (HY000): Can't connect to MySQL server on 'localhost:3306' (10061)

answered Feb 07 '22 at 18:18

Aryan Srivastava

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If you have a new question, please ask it by clicking the [Ask Question](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/ask) button. Include a link to this question if it helps provide context. - [From Review](/review/late-answers/31012301) – Simas Joneliunas Feb 11 '22 at 06:21

MySQL: SyntaxError: Unexpected identifier

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