How to Import Databases Using Command Line SSH

Using SSH can be a superior way to manage the files and databases on your account, including the ability to Import Databases Using Command Line SSH. Using a simple command, you can import a MySQL database into an existing database on your account. SSH access is required for this process. Please see our article on getting SSH access if it has not yet been enabled on your account.

• Essential Preparations for Database Import via SSH
• Using Command Line (SSH) to import your MySQL database

Essential Preparations for Database Import via SSH

Before diving into the technical process of importing databases via SSH, ensuring you have everything ready is crucial. This preparation will streamline your workflow and prevent common pitfalls. Here's a checklist to get you started:

1. SSH Access - Confirm you have SSH access to both the source and target servers.
2. Database Credentials - Gather the necessary credentials for accessing your databases.
3. Command Line Knowledge - Familiarity with the basic command line operations is essential.
4. Database Backup - To avoid data loss, back up your databases before attempting any import.
5. Required Software - Ensure you have the necessary database management tools installed, like MySQL or PostgreSQL clients.

Using Command Line (SSH) to import your MySQL database

The file must be in .sql format. It can not be compressed in a .zip or .tar.gz file.

1. Upload the SQL file to the server via the file manager or an FTP client.
2. If the database does not exist, please create a database and a user. Ensure to give the user full privileges to the database. Please take note of the username and password.
3. Log in to the server through SSH.
4. Navigate to the directory where your .sql file is.
5. Type this SSH command line:

   mysql -p -u user_name database_name < file.sql (replace 'user_name', 'database_name', and 'file.sql' with the actual name.)

6. You will be prompted for your database user password, and then your database will be imported.

Summary

To import a MySQL database via SSH, ensure you have SSH access and know your database credentials. Backup your database first. Upload the .sql file to the server. Then, SSH into the server, go to the file's location, and run mysql -p -u user_name database_name < file.sql, substituting with your information. Type in the database password when asked and use the proper names, including your prefix, for security.