How to Show Tables in MySQL: Syntax and Examples

To show all tables in a MySQL database, use the SHOW TABLES; command after selecting the database with USE database_name;. This command lists all tables available in the current database.

Syntax

The basic syntax to list tables in MySQL is simple:

• SHOW TABLES; - Lists all tables in the current database.
• USE database_name; - Selects the database you want to work with.

You must select a database first to see its tables.

mysql

USE your_database_name;
SHOW TABLES;

Example

This example shows how to select a database and list its tables.

mysql

USE employees;
SHOW TABLES;

Output

Tables_in_employees
-------------------
employees
departments
salaries
titles

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when showing tables include:

• Not selecting a database first with USE, which causes an error or empty result.
• Trying to show tables without proper permissions.
• Confusing SHOW TABLES with other commands like SHOW DATABASES.

mysql

/* Wrong: No database selected */
SHOW TABLES;

/* Right: Select database first */
USE employees;
SHOW TABLES;

Quick Reference

Command	Description
USE database_name;	Selects the database to work with
SHOW TABLES;	Lists all tables in the selected database
SHOW DATABASES;	Lists all databases on the server
SHOW TABLES LIKE 'pattern';	Lists tables matching a pattern

Key Takeaways

Always select the database first using USE before showing tables.

Use SHOW TABLES; to list all tables in the current database.

SHOW TABLES LIKE 'pattern'; helps filter tables by name.

Lack of permissions can prevent tables from showing.

SHOW TABLES is different from SHOW DATABASES.