printf

Dear List - I am afraid that I am missing something in a major way..... mysql> printf("%b %d %f %s\n", 123, 123, 123, "test"); ERROR 1064 (42000): You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near 'printf("%b %d %f %s\n", 123, 123, 123, "test")' at line 1 Where is my mistake? The code above is copied from the MySQL manual!! And while we are on the subject of my ignorance..... I wish to write to file named Site the letter A, and read it back. I wish to write to file named Starter the number 1000 , and read it back. How do I do it? I'd better ask these questions now, so when they come up in the next hour, I will not have to bother you with another email! Ethan MySQL 5.1 PHP 5 Linux [Debian (sid)]