How do I import a .sql file via the command-line?

To import a MySQL database via SSH, use this command:

mysql -h hostname -u username -p username < databasefile.sql

This connects to your database server using the hostname, username, and password credentials, then redirects the SQL file contents into the database. You'll be prompted to enter your database password after executing the command.

Handling Compressed Files

For .zip files:

unzip databasefile.sql.zip
mysql -h hostname -u username -p username < databasefile.sql

For .gz files:

gunzip databasefile.sql.gz
mysql -h hostname -u username -p username < databasefile.sql

Key Requirements: SSH access must be configured for your hosting package to execute these command-line operations.