How To Backup a MySQL Database

So you can avoid losing critical data

MySQL is aRelational Database Management System(RDBMS). It handles database instructions and can manage many databases at the same time.

For example, if you want tocreate a new databaseor add data to an existing database, you send a message to the MySQL server, give it the data you want to add, and tell it where to add it.

Whether your business is small or large, your data is an essential element. To ensure that your valuable information is secure from damage, theft, or the effects of a disaster,backup your MySQLdatabase. This article will explain several ways to do that.

Backup MySQL Database Using phpMyAdmin

Create an export or backup file of your MySQL database by accessing the phpMyAdmin tool from your web hosting control panel such as cPanel. We will use cPanel for the purposes of this article.

The time it takes for the backup to complete will depend upon the size of your database.

Backup MySQL Database With mysqldump

Use themysqldumpcommand to create a text file dump of your database that will be managed by MySQL. A text file dump is a text file that includes the SQL commands you need to recreate your database from scratch.

mysqldump database_name > database_name.sql

This command will create the backup and send it to a .sql file. It will only make a copy of your database and won’t affect it.

mysqldump –databases database_one database_two > two_databases.sql

Database_onerefers to the name of the first database anddatabase_twois the name of the second database you want to back up. Both will be backed up into a single database.

mysqldump –all-databases > all_databases.sql

Backup MySQL Database Using Cron Jobs

A cron job is a Linux command used to execute a task at a specified time automatically. We will explain how to use this command to automate a backup of MySQL databases.

/usr/bin/mysqldump -u dbusername -p’dbpassword’ dbname > /home/username/path/backup.sql

Use WordPress (WP) Plugins to Backup MySQL

If you are using WP, you canuse a plugin to back up your database.UpdraftPluswill back up your database file with a single click. It currently has over two million active installs.

BackWPup

Use BackWPup to backup your MySQL database files and even your complete WP installation.

There are many moreWP pluginsavailable to back up MySQL. Choose one that works with the current version of WP and is being actively updated.

To avoid losing critical data, regularly backup your MySQL database. If you have a backup, you will be able to restore essential or irreplaceable data should something happen to corrupt your site.

David has a background in small business and lives in Australia. He is a WordPress and Ubuntu Developer who enjoys design, CSS and tech tool integration.Read David’s Full Bio

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