Tips to open SQL file

Can't open the SQL file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open SQL files as well as a list of programs that support SQL files.

SQL file extension

File Name Structured Query Language Data Format
File Category Database Files

The SQL file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the SQL files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the SQL file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 8
  • 7
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is SQL file?

The .SQL file is a text format file. It is a script written in SQL syntax. The script is used as an instruction to be executed by the database. Using the SQL language it is possible to obtain data from the database in the desired shape. Using a .SQL file without a database is for educational purposes only. To write a .SQL file, apart from knowing the syntax, knowledge of the database structure is required. Although it is a universal query language, some databases do not support it at all, and some have their own variations. However, these are not significant deviations.

How to open SQL file?

The main problem with Structured Query Language Data Format is that the SQL file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open SQL, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the SQL file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install MySQL

In this case, you should first verify that the MySQL application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name MySQL in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file SQL with MySQL. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open SQL files.

Programs to open SQL file

Remember to download programs supporting SQL files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of MySQL with SQL files

If, despite the installed application, the SQL file does not start in the MySQL application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the SQL file with the MySQL program.

Step 3. Update MySQL to the latest version

If, despite the association of the MySQL program with the Structured Query Language Data Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Oracle Corporation page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the SQL file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. Usually this applies to SQL files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file SQL or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover SQL files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the SQL file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular SQL file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact N/A
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted SQL files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. Copying the SQL file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the SQL file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file SQL to close. However, some background programs may block the SQL file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.