How to Export a Drupal Database Using Drush

Preparing for Database Export

Before exporting a Drupal database, it is essential to clear the cache to minimize the database size. To clear the cache, use the Drush command drush cache-clear. This step ensures a more efficient and faster export process.

Exporting the Database

To export your Drupal database, use the drush sql-dump command. This command will create a gzip file containing your database. Specify the destination for the exported database using the destination argument. The command will automatically clear the cache before exporting, further reducing the export file size.

Importing a Database

If you need to import a database, first drop the current one with drush sql-drop. Then use drush sql-cli to import the SQL dump file to the Drupal database, ensuring a successful data transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I export a Drupal database using Drush?

Use the command 'drush sql-dump' to export the Drupal database. This will create an SQL file dump of the database.

Can I save the database dump to a file using Drush?

Yes, use the '--result-file' option with 'drush sql-dump' to save the SQL dump to a specified file.

How can I compress the database dump with gzip using Drush?

Append the '--gzip' option to 'drush sql-dump' to compress the dump with the gzip program.

Is it possible to export only the database structure or only the data using Drush?

Yes, use the '--data-only' option for exporting only data, and use the '--structure-tables-key' or '--structure-tables-list' options to include tables for structure without data.

How do I exclude certain tables when exporting a database with Drush?

Use the '--skip-tables-key' or '--skip-tables-list' options to exclude tables defined by a key in the $skip_tables array or by providing a comma-separated list, respectively.

Common Use Cases

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  Creating a backup of a Drupal site database before updating core or modules
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  Migrating a Drupal site from one hosting environment to another
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  Setting up a local development environment with a copy of the live site’s data
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  Performing data analysis on the Drupal site’s content and structure without affecting the live site
• 
  Restoring a previous version of the site in case of data corruption or loss

Sourcetable: A Streamlined Alternative to Drush Export Database

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