How to Show Events in MySQL: Syntax and Examples

To show events in MySQL, use the SHOW EVENTS command. This lists all scheduled events in the current database. You can also filter events by database using SHOW EVENTS FROM database_name.

Syntax

The basic syntax to display events in MySQL is:

• SHOW EVENTS; - Lists all events in the current database.
• SHOW EVENTS FROM database_name; - Lists events from a specific database.

This command shows event names, schedules, status, and other details.

sql

SHOW EVENTS;

SHOW EVENTS FROM your_database_name;

Example

This example shows how to list all events in the current database and what the output looks like.

sql

SHOW EVENTS;

Output

Name       | Definer          | Time zone | Type     | Execute At          | Interval Value | Interval Field | Starts              | Ends                | Status  | On Completion | Created             | Last Altered        | Last Executed       | Event Comment
----------|------------------|-----------|----------|---------------------|----------------|----------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------|---------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|--------------
my_event  | user@localhost   | SYSTEM    | RECURRING| NULL                | 1              | DAY            | 2024-06-01 00:00:00 | NULL                | ENABLED | DROP          | 2024-05-30 12:00:00 | 2024-05-30 12:00:00 | 2024-06-01 00:00:00 | Sample event

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when showing events include:

• Not selecting the correct database before running SHOW EVENTS, which shows events only for the current database.
• Expecting events to show when the event scheduler is off. Events exist but won't run if the scheduler is disabled.
• Using SHOW EVENTS without proper privileges; you need the EVENT privilege.

sql

/* Wrong: No database selected, no events shown */
SHOW EVENTS;

/* Right: Select database first */
USE your_database_name;
SHOW EVENTS;

Quick Reference

Command	Description
SHOW EVENTS;	List all events in the current database
SHOW EVENTS FROM database_name;	List events from a specific database
SHOW EVENTS LIKE 'pattern';	List events matching a name pattern
SHOW CREATE EVENT event_name;	Show the SQL to create a specific event

Key Takeaways

Use SHOW EVENTS to list scheduled events in the current database.

Select the correct database before running SHOW EVENTS to see its events.

Ensure the event scheduler is enabled to run events, though SHOW EVENTS lists them regardless.

You need the EVENT privilege to view events.

Use SHOW EVENTS FROM database_name to see events in other databases.