Exporting MySQL databases using the command line utility in Windows is a knowledge every Database Administrator and developer should possess. The mysqldump utility is an easy-to-use program that can back up databases, replicate or transfer data from one server to another and migrate databases.

In this article, We will outline how to back up one database, multiple databases and particular tables in a database using the Windows Command Prompt in detail.

Prerequisites:

• MySQL is installed and running on your Windows system.
• Necessary credentials (username and password) for the MySQL database.
• Access to the Command Prompt.

Advantages of mysqldump

• Ease of Use: Simple commands for various export needs.
• Versatility: Supports exporting single, multiple, or all databases.
• Compatibility: Works across different MySQL versions.
• Portability: SQL files generated can be easily transferred and imported.

Export MySQL Database Using Command Line

Steps we are using in this article to export MySQL database using the command line:

1. Open Command Prompt
2. Navigate to the MySQL Bin Directory
3. Use the mysqldump Command
4. Enter Your Password
5. Verify the Export

1. Open Command Prompt

Open the Command Prompt by pressing Win + R or typing cmd, and hitting Enter.

2. Navigate to the MySQL Bin Directory

If mysql and mysqldump commands are not in our system’s PATH, navigate to the MySQL bin directory. This is usually located at:

cd C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server X.Y\bin

Replace X.Y with our MySQL version.

Example:

We can see in the below image that my version is 5.7. So the syntax becomes:

cd C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 5.7\bin

MySQL Bin Directory

Exporting a Single Database

Now first lets see the list of databases which we have and select which database we want to export:

show databases

Output:

Show database command

3. Use the mysqldump Command

The basic command to export a single database is:

mysqldump -u [username] -p [database_name] > [output_file.sql]

Replace [username], [database_name], and [output_file.sql] with your MySQL username, the name of the database, and the desired output file name, respectively.

Example:

To export a database named bookstoredb to a file named bookstoredb_dump.sql:

mysqldump -u root -p bookstoredb > D:\Dumps\bookstoredb_dump.sql

4. Enter Your Password

After entering the command, we’ll be prompted to enter your MySQL password. Type your password and press Enter.

Enter password

5. Verify the Export

• After this command is executed, we can check where the export has been successful by visiting the file location.
• This file can be opened with any text editor to view the SQL statements that define the layout of the database and its contents.

Exporting Multiple Databases

The same steps for exporting multiple databases also:

Syntax:

To export multiple databases, use the –databases option followed by the database names:

mysqldump -u [username] -p --databases [db1] [db2] > [output_file.sql]

Replace [username], [db1], [db2], and [output_file.sql] with your MySQL username, the names of the databases, and the desired output file name, respectively.

Example:

Select the databases which we want to export using the below command:

show databases

Now lets export databases named bookshop, namdb and salesdb to a file named multiple_backup.sql:

mysqldump -u root -p --databases bookshop namdb salesdb > D:\Dumps\multiple_backup.sql

Enter your MySQL password when prompted.

Exporting Specific Tables from a Database

Same steps for exporting multiple databases also:

Syntax:

To export specific tables, list the table names after the database name:

mysqldump -u [username] -p [database_name] [table1] [table2] > [output_file.sql]

Replace [username], [database_name], [table1], [table2], and [output_file.sql] with your MySQL username, the database name, the table names, and the desired output file name, respectively.

Example:

Lets select the customer and users tables from the bookstoredb database:

show tables 

Output:

Show tables command

To export table customer and users from the bookstoredb database to a file named tables_backup.sql:

mysqldump -u root -p bookstoredb users customer > D:\Dumps\bookstoredb_customer_users.sql

Enter your MySQL password when prompted.

Conclusion

The mysqldump utility in the Windows Command Prompt is a reliable way of backing up and exporting MySQL databases. Regardless of whether you require exporting a single database, multiple databases or certain tables, the directions provided herein make the exercise easy and convenient. Addition options make it possible to have different exports to meet as many needs as possible. It is also advisable to regularly check your backup files to confirm that your data is safe and secure so that the database functions effectively.