checking presence of table columns in mysql

Lynn David Newton wrote:
> =

> Since there seems to be some mysql expertise on the
> list: Does anyone know of a SQL based way to check for
> the existence of a particular column by name? This came
> up in work today. I've never been able to do it. I'm
> not so sure it's possible.
> =

> --
> Lynn David Newton
> Phoenix, AZ
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Not purely sql, but close:
mysql -uwhomever -ppassword -hhost database -e "describe table" | grep
fieldnamee

For example:
$ mysql -uuser -ppassword -haaron database -e "describe day" | grep -c
create_ts
1

(the names of the user/password/database have been changed :) )


George
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