remote backup

[kickbin]

I've looked through all the entries for database backups on this forum and I've not found quite what I'm after, so here goes:

I run a website which uses a mysql database, with about 4 tables. When I ftp in I cannot access the area of the server with my database info - I assume it must be at root level. What is the easiest way for me to back up my data to my own computer - I am a mac user. Most of the solutions I have seen seem to require me to know the relative path from the database to my ftp space so I can get mysql to write a backup. I don't know this.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks folks,
Paul Breakwell

[sarahk]

some links to review

I had a utility which I've been meaning to test, but I've lost it. I have the same technical constraints and I feel somewhat stressed that I'm relying on my ISP's backups.

http://www.0php.com/MySQL-Backup.php

http://codewalkers.com/seecode/46.html

I think the second looks best, but it's untested...

Sarah

[kickbin]

thanks Sarah,
I'll test that second one out later and let you know how I go.
Cheers, Paul

[bobthedog]

An easy way may be to just run the mysqldump command line program.

Unless your ISP are really bitchy -you should not have a problem using this. You can specify all the username, password, port, server etc on the command line.

You can then capture the output, and dump this to the browser as a file to be downloaded (using approriate content-type headers etc).

As long as you make sure this page is nice and secure (htaccess, or your own username login script), then I think the solution works best all round.