The mysql command line interface provides several very useful shortcuts. For example, the ‘tee’ command will append everything to a specified outfile:

mysql> \T logfile.txt
Logging to file 'logfile.txt'

The ‘clear’ command saves from accidentally hitting Ctrl-C and disconnecting from the database:

mysql> select * from typo \c
mysql> 

The ‘clear’ command is especially useful when you’re in the middle of a transaction or prepared statement:

mysql> PREPARE useradd FROM "INSERT INTO foobar_users (username) VALUES (?)";
Query OK, 0 rows affected (0.02 sec)
Statement prepared

mysql> SET @user = I forgot\c
mysql> SET @user = 'joebob';
Query OK, 0 rows affected (0.01 sec)

mysql> EXECUTE useradd USING @user;
Query OK, 1 row affected (0.01 sec)

mysql> DEALLOCATE PREPARE useradd;
Query OK, 0 rows affected (0.00 sec)

The ‘pager’ command is very useful for viewing large result sets in any externally callable program, for example,

mysql> \P less -n -i -S
PAGER set to 'less -n -i -S'
mysql> select * from foobar_users; -- viewed in a horizontal and vertical scrolling screen

And the shortcuts to turn off ‘pager’ and ‘tee’

mysql> \n
PAGER set to stdout
mysql> \t
Outfile disabled.
mysql>