Hands-on Lab·MySQL
MySQL Logical Backups with mysqldump
A dump is a text file of SQL statements that rebuilds the database. `--single-transaction` is the flag that makes it consistent without locking anyone out, and it is the one most people leave off.
Backup and Restore Guide 21 of 45 Beginner
- OSUbuntu 26.04 LTS (resolute)
- MySQL8.4.10-0ubuntu0.26.04.1
- BinlogROW format, enabled by default
- TimeAbout 13 min
- Reviewed27 August 2026
Written against the versions above. `--single-transaction` gives a consistent snapshot for InnoDB tables only. A schema mixing InnoDB and MyISAM cannot be dumped consistently without locking.
| Server Name | IP Address | OS | Roles | CPU | RAM | HDD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| db-a01 | 192.168.0.81 | Ubuntu 26.04 LTS | Primary / Source / Replica Set Member 1 | 2 Core | 4 GB | 50 GB |
Before you start
- The
appdbdatabase with the customers and orders tables.
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Take the dump
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Look at what a dump actually is
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Confirm it contains both structure and data