title: How to see log files in MySQL?
body: <p>I've read that Mysql server creates a log file where it keeps a record of all activities - like when and what queries execute.  </p>
  
  <p>Can anybody tell me where it exists in my system? How can I read it?</p>
  
  <p>Basically, I need to back up the database with different input [backup between two dates] so I think I need to use log file here, that's why I want to do it...</p>
  
  <p>I think this log must be secured somehow because sensitive information such as usernames and password may be logged [if any query require this]; so may it be secured, not easily able to be seen?</p>
  
  <p>I have root access to the system, how can I see the log? </p>
  
  <p>When I try to open /var/log/mysql.log it is empty.</p>
  
  <p>This is my config file:</p>
  
  <pre><code>[client]
  port        = 3306
  socket      = /var/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock
  
  [mysqld_safe]
  socket      = /var/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock
  nice        = 0
  
  [mysqld]
  log = /var/log/mysql/mysql.log 
  binlog-do-db=zero
  
  
  
  user        = mysql
  socket      = /var/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock
  port        = 3306
  basedir     = /usr
  datadir     = /var/lib/mysql
  tmpdir      = /tmp
  skip-external-locking
  
  bind-address        = 127.0.0.1
  #
  # * Fine Tuning
  #
  key_buffer      = 16M
  max_allowed_packet  = 16M
  thread_stack        = 192K
  thread_cache_size       = 8
  
  general_log_file        = /var/log/mysql/mysql.log
  general_log             = 1
  </code></pre>