# Using SELECT INTO OUTFILE in MySQL > Write MySQL query results to a file with SELECT INTO OUTFILE, and use the command-line alternative when it is not available on your account. Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/developers/databases/using-select-into-outfile-in-mysql/ The **SELECT INTO OUTFILE** statement in MySQL allows you to write the results of a query directly to a file. You can also customize column and row delimiters to format the output. ## **About SELECT INTO OUTFILE** - Writes query results to a file on the server. - Allows custom column and row terminators for formatting. ## **Support for SELECT INTO OUTFILE** - **Unmanaged hosting packages:** Fully supported since you have control over MySQL privileges and configuration. - **Shared hosting:** Not supported. The **FILE privilege** is required, which is usually disabled for security reasons. ## **Alternative to SELECT INTO OUTFILE** If your hosting package does not allow **SELECT INTO OUTFILE**, you can still save query results to a file using the command line: ``` echo "sql_query;" | mysql --user=mysql_username --password=mysql_password mysql_database > /home/username/query.txt ``` ### Explanation of parameters - **sql_query:** The SQL statement you want to run (e.g., `SELECT * FROM employees;`). - **mysql_username:** MySQL username for the database. - **mysql_password:** Password for the MySQL user. - **mysql_database:** Name of the database to access. - **username:** Your hosting account username. You can change the file path or query to suit your needs. ## **More Information** Official documentation:\