Error
Error Code:
69
MySQL Error 69: Unknown Short Option
Description
This error indicates that a MySQL command-line utility (e.g., `mysql`, `mysqldump`) was invoked with a short option that it does not recognize. It typically occurs when a typo is made or an invalid parameter is supplied in the command.
Error Message
%s: unknown option '-%c'.
Known Causes
3 known causesTypographical Error
A simple misspelling or typo in a short command-line option, such as using '-x' when '-u' was intended.
Invalid or Non-Existent Option
Attempting to use a short option that is not supported by the specific MySQL utility or has been removed in the current version.
Incorrect Syntax
Using a short option incorrectly, such as failing to provide a required value or placing it in an invalid position within the command.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Correct Command-Line Syntax easy
Ensure all command-line options passed to MySQL utilities are valid and correctly formatted.
1
Review the command you are using to interact with MySQL. Common utilities include `mysql`, `mysqldump`, `mysqladmin`, etc.
2
Identify the specific option that is causing the error. The error message '%s: unknown option '-%c'.' will usually point to the problematic short option (e.g., `-a`, `-b`).
3
Consult the documentation for the specific MySQL utility you are using to verify the correct syntax for the option.
mysql --help
mysqldump --help4
Correct any typos, misplaced hyphens, or use of non-existent options. For example, if you intended to use `--user` but typed `--usr`, this error might occur.
Example of incorrect syntax: `mysql --usr myuser -p mydatabase`
Example of correct syntax: `mysql --user myuser -p mydatabase`2. Verify MySQL Client Version Compatibility medium
Ensure the MySQL client tools you are using are compatible with your MySQL server version.
1
Determine the version of your MySQL server. You can often find this by connecting to the server and running `SELECT VERSION();` or checking the server's error logs.
SELECT VERSION();2
Check the version of your MySQL client tools. This is usually done by running the client utility with the `--version` flag.
mysql --version
mysqldump --version3
Compare the client and server versions. Older client versions might not support newer options, and in rare cases, very old client versions might use short options that have been deprecated or changed in newer server versions.
4
If there's a significant version mismatch, consider upgrading your MySQL client tools to match or be more recent than your server version. Download the latest compatible client from the official MySQL website.
3. Check for Script or Alias Issues medium
Investigate if the error originates from a script or shell alias that is incorrectly passing options.
1
If you are running a MySQL command through a script (e.g., a shell script, Python script, etc.), examine the script's code carefully. Look for how the MySQL command is constructed and which options are being passed.
2
If you are using shell aliases, check your shell's configuration files (e.g., `.bashrc`, `.zshrc`, `~/.profile`) for any aliases related to MySQL commands. An alias might be incorrectly appending or modifying options.
Example of a potentially problematic alias in `.bashrc`:
alias mysql='mysql --my-custom-option'3
Temporarily disable any relevant aliases or bypass scripts to run the MySQL command directly from the command line. If the error disappears, the issue lies within the script or alias.
To temporarily disable an alias:
unalias mysql4
Correct the script logic or alias definition to ensure only valid and properly formatted options are passed to the MySQL utility.