How does MySQL dump work?

Question

The mysqldump client utility performs logical backups, producing a set of SQL statements that can be executed to reproduce the original database object definitions and table data. It dumps one or more MySQL databases for backup or transfer to another SQL server.

How do I dump a MySQL database?

To dump/export a MySQL database, execute the following command in the Windows command prompt: mysqldump -u username -p dbname > filename. sql . After entering that command you will be prompted for your password.

Is MySQL dump safe?

MySQL's unencrypted port is not secure. If you're running mysqldump on your VPS host, and only transferring the resulting dump file to your PC, then you can do this securely. If you can ssh to your VPS, you should be able to use scp too. This gives you the ability to transfer files securely.

Where does MySQL dump go?

The mysqldump tool is located in the root/bin directory of the MySQL installation directory.

How long does MySQL dump take?

Although a mysqldump may take 30 minutes to complete, your restore of that data might take 8 hours or more. That's due in part to rebuilding all those indexes.

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