usql

Universal command-line database client

TLDR

Connect to PostgreSQL

$ usql postgres://[user]:[pass]@[host]/[database]

Connect to MySQL

$ usql mysql://[user]:[pass]@[host]/[database]

Connect to SQLite

$ usql sqlite:[database.db]

Execute query

$ usql [connection_url] -c "[SELECT * FROM table]"

Execute file

$ usql [connection_url] -f [script.sql]

List databases

$ usql [connection_url] -c "\\l"

Describe table

$ usql [connection_url] -c "\\d [table_name]"

SYNOPSIS

usql [-c command] [-f file] [options] connectionurl_

usql is a universal command-line interface for SQL databases. It connects to PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, SQL Server, Oracle, and many other databases (including NoSQL databases) with a consistent psql-inspired interface.
Connection strings follow URL format. The scheme identifies the database type: postgres://, mysql://, sqlite:, mssql://, oracle://, etc. When no scheme is given, usql auto-detects: directories use PostgreSQL, regular files use SQLite3 or DuckDB.
Backslash commands work across databases: \\l lists databases, \\dt lists tables, \\d describes objects, \\drivers lists available database drivers.
Query output can be formatted as tables, CSV, JSON, or other formats. Tab completion assists with table and column names, and history persists across sessions.

PARAMETERS

-c CMD

Execute command and exit.

-f FILE

Execute file.

-o FILE

Output to file.

-w, --no-password

Never prompt for password.

-W, --password

Always prompt for password.

-X, --no-rc

Don't read rc file.

-t, --tuples-only

Only print rows.

-q, --quiet

Quiet mode.

-v NAME=VALUE

Set variable.

--help

Show help.

--version

Show version.

CAVEATS

Not all features available on all databases. Some drivers need installation. Complex queries may have database-specific syntax.

HISTORY

usql was created by Kenneth Shaw around 2017 to provide a universal SQL client. It addresses the fragmentation of database CLIs with a single, consistent tool.