Configuring: Downloading/uploading (back up and restore) a MySQL database : FatCow Knowledgebase

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Configuring: Downloading/uploading (back up and restore) a MySQL database

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Configuring: Downloading/uploading (back up and restore) a MySQL database

Answer/Solution
The following sections describe how to export/download and import/upload databases.

Important: In general, we do not recommend uploading databases, since MySQL is primarily an online-based database. Uploading will overwrite the database, so it should not be done frivolously. Upload only when it is absolutely necessary. Problems, such as timeouts, can occur with large databases. If you have any questions, contact The Moo Crew.

Exporting/Downloading databases
A database dump converts a database or table into a text file with SQL statements for the structure and the data. This text file can be moved or saved and then restored back into database format.

Log into the MySQL Management tool.

Log into phpMyAdmin by clicking the Administer link and using a login name for the database you want to download

In the left panel, select the database to be backed up.

Click Export.

In the Export area, select the tables to export and select SQL as the export type.

In the SQL options area, select the appropriate options. Recommended settings:
- Select Structure to include the structure of the database (fields, field types, etc.).
- Select Add DROP TABLE if you want to overwrite tables on upload.
- Select Data to include all of the records.

Select Save as file and provide a file name.

Select a compression format if you want the file to be compressed.

Click Go to save the file.

Note: You can also save the structure and data in two different files, by following these steps twice: once with only Structure selected and then with only Data selected.

Importing/Uploading from a saved backup
Uploading will overwrite the database, so you should only do it when absolutely necessary. Problems, such as timeouts, can occur with large databases. If you have any questions, contact The Moo Crew.