How to Export a MySQL Database via SSH

If you want to export a MySQL database from your hosting package, there are two ways to do this. The first is to log into the cPanel control panel, select the phpMyAdmin application, search for the database you want, and then use the Export function to export it to your computer. You can do this if your database is less than 100 MB in size.

If your database is larger, you will need to export using the SSH command line.

1. Enable SSH on your hosting package

As the use of the SSH command line is primarily intended for more advanced users, it is turned off by default. For your hosting package, you can turn it on quite easily in the My NEOSERV Subscription Centre. Check the instructions on how to enable SSH on your package.

2. Install Putty on your computer

Putty is an open source terminal emulator that allows you to execute SSH commands. You can find it at www.putty.org, where you can download it for free.

Once you have finished installing the program, connect to your hosting package:

1. In the Host Name (or IP address) field, enter the name or IP address of the server hosting your website (you will find this information in the My NEOSERV subscription centre or in the cPanel control panel).

2. Enter 5050 in the Port field and click Open to connect to the server. If you see a security message when you connect, select Yes.
3. You will also need the username and password that you use to log in to cPanel for the connection to be successful. First copy the username (ctrl + C), then right-click in the Putty application and press ENTER. Repeat this process to enter the password (for security reasons, the password will not be visible on the command line).

4. The connection to your hosting package is now established.

3. Export the MySQL database

Within the Putty application, navigate to the directory to which you want to export the MySQL database. You navigate through the directories using the “cd_directory_name” and “cd ..” commands, respectively.

When you reach the desired directory, use the following command to export the database:

mysqldump -u username -p database_name > backup.sql

Of course, you need to adapt the above command:

• instead of the username_name record, enter your actual username to connect to the database;
• instead of the database_name record, enter the actual name of the database you want to export;
• instead of the backup record, you can use an arbitrary name to name the .sql file.

You then need to enter your database password, which you paste back into Putty using right-click. This completes the MySQL database export. The only thing left to do is to transfer the database to your computer via the cPanel (File Manager) control panel or FTP program.

• Check also: Import MySQL database via SSH

If you need help, you can always contact our team. Call us on 059 335 000 or send us a message at info@neoserv.si.