How to Export the Database via Terminal (mysqldump)

What this procedure is

This article explains how to export a PrestaShop database via terminal (SSH) using mysqldump. It is useful when phpMyAdmin has size limits.

Applies to: PrestaShop 8.x.

Why you would do this

• Large backups without browser limits.
• Server-to-server migrations.
• Automate backups.

Prerequisites

• SSH access.
• Database credentials.
• Disk space.

Quick diagnosis (before you change anything)

1) Confirm DB name and user

Expected result: you have DB, user, and host ready (check app/config/parameters.php).

Export via terminal (mysqldump)

Step 1) Connect via SSH

Access the server via SSH.

Step 2) Run mysqldump

Example:

mysqldump -u USER -p DB_NAME > prestashop.sql

Expected result: the SQL file is created.

Step 3) Compress the file (recommended)

To reduce size:

gzip -9 prestashop.sql

Step 4) Download and store safely

Download the file and store it off-server.

Final verification

• The SQL/GZ file exists and is not empty.
• You can open it and see SQL headers.

If something doesn’t work (common issues)

Permission denied or command not found

• Ask hosting to enable SSH or use a VPS.
• Use phpMyAdmin if you do not have SSH.

Best practices

• Avoid large backups during peak hours.
• Name backups with date and version.