Read mysql config (my.cnf) using mysql console I have a mysql server that is not under my control (I don't have ssh on that machine). I only have access to one database using mysql client.

How can I have access to config options that are declared in my.cnf?
Depending on how your access was implemented, you may be able to look at my.cnf with the \! command.  

mysql&gt; pager less
mysql&gt; \! cat /etc/mysql/my.cnf
....
mysql&gt; nopager


If you want to know what variables are actually running on the server, look at SHOW GLOBAL VARIABLES

mysql&gt; SHOW GLOBAL VARIABLES;