Problem – How do I make a backup of the Moodle database? What software do I use, and how do I make a backup that’s portable?

Solution – Use Navicat or Navicat Lite to make the Backup.

Just a few years ago, I remember running into Navicat and marvelling at the power and the features of this incredible program. Although I’ve grown accustomed to working on Windows and GNU/Linux operating systems and using my favorite SQLYog, there was no Mac equivalent utility that could let me “do a SQL dump.” Doing a SQL dump is like making a complete copy of your database–and the critical data in it–that can be saved.

One thing I’ve learned about Moodle…everything can pretty much go down the tubes but if you can restore your Moodle database, reload your mods and blocks, backup your moodledata directory, you can be up and running fairly quickly.

Since I’m standardized on a few mods, blocks, and themes, I only worry about backing up the database and moodle data directory. Everything else can be rebuilt. Thank goodness Moodle is so flexible in this way.

Although I still prefer SQLYog on Windows and GNU/Linux (using WINE), Navicat Lite works just fine on Mac OS X. As such, it’s pretty easy to use Navicat Lite on Mac to make backups and restore databases (an every other day activity for me on the 5 Moodles we have).

Finally, check out the Moodle Tip Roundup, Moodle Habitudes, and Moodle Mambo!

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Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin’s blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure