Moving data without timeouts.
EXPORTING
mysqldump produces a SQL file containing structure and data. Redirect it to a file.
Compressing the output as it is written saves considerable space and transfer time on large databases.
IMPORTING
Feed the SQL file into the mysql client. For a compressed dump, decompress on the fly.
WHY NOT PHPMYADMIN FOR LARGE DATABASES
It runs through PHP and is subject to upload size limits and execution time limits. Large imports time out partway, leaving an incomplete database, which is worse than failing outright.
The command line has neither limit.
IF YOU HAVE NO SSH ACCESS
Split the dump into smaller files and import them in sequence, or ask us to import it for you.
BEFORE IMPORTING
If replacing an existing database, drop the existing tables first. Importing over existing data produces conflicts and partial results.
AFTERWARDS
Verify row counts against the source, and check the application connects.
FOR REPEATED TRANSFERS
Script it. A dump, transfer and import in one command removes the opportunity for error.
