title: Using Putty to import a sql file into the database
body: <p>I want to import an .sql file into a database on the server through command line. </p>
  
  <p>I understand that I should use the follow line: </p>
  
  <p>mysql -u username -p database_name &lt; textfilewithsqlstatments.sql</p>
  
  <p>the sql file is currently in my local folder, shall I upload it to the server first? how should I specify the directory for this file?</p>
  
  <p>Thanks</p>