How to Export and Import Database Dumps in Plesk?
Introduction
A database dump is simply a file that includes the structure and the content of a database. It is primarily applied in the support of data backup or for migrating it. Older versions of Plesk require you to use database management tools to create dumps.
Plesk offers a much faster way to create your dump and save it securely, and then deploy it later on the server. This tutorial describes the process of saving and deploying these database copies in an easy way.
Understanding Database Dumps
A dump is a portable copy of your database. Saving the source database into a file for storage or distribution is known as exporting a dump.
A dump import restores the data from the file into a new or existing destination database. You may either import a database to the same server or to another server, provided that both databases are similar, such as both being MySQL databases.
Steps to Save a Copy of a Database (Export Dump)
The process of making a copy is referred to as exporting the dump. Plesk uses the SQL format for dumps and saves them as compressed ZIP archives. You should use the native tools, such as phpMyAdmin, in case you want to use another format or want to customize your settings.
Exporting Your Database to a File
These are the steps to follow in order to create a dump file and select the location where it needs to be stored.
Navigate to Export Dump
Go to the database tools pane. Click Websites & Domains > Databases, then click Export Dump.
Choose Where to Save the Dump
You have two main options:
Save on Server – Select a directory on the server where you want to save the dump file. Plesk will by default save it to your home directory of a subscription. Click OK to save.
Save on Server and Local Computer – Select ‘Automatically download dump after creation’. The dump will be stored in the server and downloaded to your computer instantly. Click OK to proceed.
Procedure to Deploy Your Copy of a Database (Import Dump)
Deploying a dump file means importing the saved data into a database. This is how you restore or move data from one location to another.
Restoring Your Database from a Dump File
This process will be used to choose a dump file on your computer or the server and load its content into a database.
Navigate to Import Dump
Go to the database tools pane. Click Websites & Domains > Domains, then click Import Dump.
Choose the Dump File to Deploy
Select the location of the dump file:
From Local Computer – Click on Upload, followed by Choose file. Find the ZIP archive containing the dump file on your computer. Press OK to upload and begin the upload.
Server Directory – Click Import and choose the dump file in the file list on the server. Click OK to start the import.
Recreate the Database (Optional)
To deploy the dump into a clean environment, choose the ‘Recreate the database’ option. This deletes the existing old database and creates a brand new one with the exact same name. The dump will then load into this fresh database.
The Reliable Hosting for Data with Cantech
Cantech provides reliable and quick hosting that facilitates effective database operations in Plesk. We deliver a stable environment for large data transfer. On our platform, you can transfer important backups and migrations fast and safely. Export and import are easy in our infrastructure.
Conclusion
The integrated tools of Plesk allow you to manage database dumps without any difficulties. You are also able to export the data to back it up, then import it to restore or migrate. These steps will make your website information secure and transferable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the default file format for database dumps in Plesk?
Plesk uses SQL format to create database dumps. These files are then automatically compressed and saved as a single ZIP archive file.
Can I import a MySQL dump into a PostgreSQL database?
No. The source and destination databases must always be of the same database type for the import to work correctly.
What is the benefit of the ‘Recreate the database’ option?
It does a clean restore by deleting any corrupt or leftover data in the old database before loading new data using the dump file.
Can I use my local file to deploy a dump if I did not select “Automatically download”?
Yes, you can still use the local file. Choose the Upload option in the import process and upload the ZIP file from your local computer.
Where can I find the native database management tools in Plesk?
You can usually access native tools like phpMyAdmin, visit Websites & Domains > Databases. Click on the name of the database, and next, click phpMyAdmin or the corresponding management tool.
