MySQLDump: What is Mysqldump used for? Alternative Solution

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. Prepare the testenvironment that enables you to simulate different database loads and measure the application’s response time.
3. 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.
4. Restore the database with the use of the modified MySQL dump files. Run the tests.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 with different combinations of storage engines.
6. When you finish, roll the database to the original state.
7. Analyze the results.

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.

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.

See also:

• Logical backup
• Database architecture
• Shared-nothing architecture