SHOW TRIGGERS reveals all database triggers with essential metadata.
INFORMATION_SCHEMA provides detailed trigger definitions and relationships.
Both essential for database documentation, debugging, and maintenance.

SHOW TRIGGERS Syntax


Quick Example


Lists student-related triggers instantly.

SHOW TRIGGERS Output

Column

Description

Example

Trigger

Name

before_student_insert

Event

INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE

INSERT

Table

Target table

Students

Statement

Body preview

SET NEW.created_date...

Timing

BEFORE/AFTER

BEFORE

Created

Timestamp

2026-04-03 15:30:00

Definer

Creator

admin@localhost

Filter Options


INFORMATION_SCHEMA.TRIGGERS
Rich metadata for complex queries.


Table-Specific Triggers


Complete Trigger Definition


Returns full CREATE TRIGGER statement.

Advanced Queries

Trigger Summary by Table


Triggers by Timing/Event


Permissions Check


Cross-Database Analysis


Performance Comparison

Method

Speed

Detail Level

Filtering

SHOW TRIGGERS

Fastest

Basic

LIKE only

SHOW CREATE TRIGGER

Fast

Complete body

Single trigger

INFORMATION_SCHEMA

Slower

Maximum

Full SQL

Production Monitoring Query


Common Issues

  • No results: Wrong database context or no TRIGGER privilege
  • Partial body: SHOW TRIGGERS truncates long statements
  • Access denied: Missing TRIGGER privilege on schema

Best Practices


Quick Commands Reference


Key Points

  • SHOW TRIGGERS = instant overview
  • INFORMATION_SCHEMA = detailed analysis
  • SHOW CREATE TRIGGER = exact definition
  • TRIGGER privilege required
  • Current database context matters
  • Empty result = no triggers or no access