Java exec() mysqldump error: Couldn't find table ">"

Question

I'm executing mysqldump command from a Java class but I keep getting the error mentioned in the title.

This is the code I'm using:

        Process runtimeProcess = Runtime.getRuntime().exec("mysqldump -uroot -pmypassword valo > /etc/valbu.sql");
        int processComplete = runtimeProcess.waitFor();
        if(processComplete == 0){
            System.out.println("Backup taken successfully");
        } else {
            InputStream stderr = runtimeProcess.getErrorStream();
            InputStreamReader isr = new InputStreamReader(stderr);
            BufferedReader br = new BufferedReader(isr);
            String line = null;
            System.out.println("<ERROR>");
            while ( (line = br.readLine()) != null)
                System.out.println(line);
            System.out.println("</ERROR>");
            System.out.println("Could not take mysql backup");
        }

It looks like he doesn't understand that > isn't a table but a command to dump.

Don't pass credentials as command line parameters! They might be visible for other users on the host (through `ps -o args`). Instead, pass them as environment variables, or through stdin. — , Jan 07 '13 at 11:05

score 3 · Answer 1 · edited May 23 '17 at 11:44

3

Common problem - You can't execute a statement with a pipe or a redirection. They can only be executed by the shell.

Further further reading

https://stackoverflow.com/a/11693833/105224

edited May 23 '17 at 11:44

Community

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answered Jan 07 '13 at 10:54

Andreas Dolk

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score 3 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 07 '15 at 20:14

3

Try using the result-file option in the mysqldump command instead of the redirection operator >:

mysqldump -uroot -pmypassword valo --result-file=/etc/valbu.sql

answered Sep 07 '15 at 20:14

CfSimplicity

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BOOM! Fast, effective relief – Chad Van De Hey Feb 04 '19 at 23:49
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Thanks, Man @CfSimplicity ! I was looking for this for hours; worked like charm!! – Subham Apr 14 '21 at 12:04

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 07 '13 at 10:55

1

This will not work because Runtime.exec() will not invoke a shell, and > is a shell redirection.

So, either use an array like { "/bin/bash", "-c", "thescripthere" }, (not recommended) or use, say, a ProcessBuilder.

answered Jan 07 '13 at 10:55

fge

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Thanks a lot, the array command works fine. Since it is not reccomended, i'd like to get into the processbuilder. I'll have some research about it thanks a lot! – Memme Jan 07 '13 at 11:29
I am facing the same problem, can some explain why is this approach not recommended ? – juancho Apr 18 '21 at 13:19

Java exec() mysqldump error: Couldn't find table ">"

3 Answers3