MySQLDump: What is Mysqldump used for? Alternative Solution
The mysqldump utility is a free software allowing "logical" backup of any MySQL database by saving it to a text sequence of SQL queries. Originally developed by Igor Romanenko at 1999, now it grows to one of main functional utilities of MySQL environment.
The resulting file created by mysqldump, a database dump, contains the SQL statements needed to build the database from scratch. These statements are independent from the original database. Executing this sequence will restore the database, e.g. for MySQL replication.
Experiments with MySQLDump Backups
The main advantage of dump files created with mysqldump is the very simple and readable SQL-based format of these files. A user can rewrite dumps manually, which makes these dumps a perfect source for experiments. (The Handy Backup solution can do just the same thing!)
Sample Experiment Setup
For example, let you have a MySQL database with multiple tables, and an application (e.g. a web server) working with it. Each table can use its individual storage engine.
Two key factors define the performance of your application:
- How data objects distributed inside the database;
- How the database retrieves and stores information.
That is what database architecture design is about.
Performance of MyISAM and InnoDB under different MySQL writing loads
You can modify mysqldump to file with any text editor, which makes it very easy to test different combinations of storage engines, and find out what works for you. Moreover, it also enables you to prepare a plan on how to deal with future database load. The plan is as follows:
- Create a backup of your MySQL database. You can do it with mysqldump (data only), or by using the MySQL plug-in of Handy Backup.
- Prepare the testenvironment that enables you to simulate different database loads and measure the application’s response time.
- Modify the dump files by changing storage engines used in tables. To do it, find the CREATE TABLE statements and add ENGINE=MyISAM or ENGINE=InnoDB to them.
- Restore the database with the use of the modified MySQL dump files. Run the tests.
- Repeat steps 3-4 with different combinations of storage engines.
- When you finish, roll the database to the original state.
- Analyze the results.
Advantages of Handy Backup over MySQLDump Database Backup Software
As shown before, you can either make mysqldump to file or use Handy Backup with similar results, although Handy Backup has some advantages over mysqldump utility, such as:
- Well-developed scheduling system, allowing dumping databases automatically;
- A big choice of storage methods, including local drives, clouds and network storage for backup;
- Data compression and encryption by built-in tools;
- Simple and automated restoration from copies (including cloning and mirroring).
Video Example
In the following video tutorial, you can learn more about MySQL dump: how to backup MySQL databases with Handy Backup.
Note: Instructions in this video suggest that you already have Handy Backup installed on your computer. If you still have not done so, do not hesitate to download it.
MySQLDump and Handy Backup
Handy Backup extends the functionality of mysqldump utility with multiple storage types and backup options typically used in different backup strategies. For example, your MySQL tables can be automatically compressed, encrypted, and stored onto a given FTP or SSH server.
Advantages of Handy Backup Over MySQLDump for Backing up MySQL Data
Handy Backup provides a full spectrum of backup automation settings and options, from compressing data to scheduling events to logging performed tasks. To learn more about how to Automate Mysql Backup with Handy Backup.
Recommended Solution
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Handy Backup Small Business
To create MySQL dump files, you need the Small Business edition of our software developed for small business backup purposes. Free 30-days trial!
Migrating to Some Different DBMS
Another scenario in which dump files created by mysqldump or Handy Backup can be useful is migration from MySQL to other database management systems. All popular DBMS aim to comply with the SQL standard, with only some minor changes required for a typical dump file.
To see if you can transfer your MySQL data to another DBMS, you can simply make a dump and try to restore it to a different system. You can read main recommendations on performing this task on the MySQL Recovery page.
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