I have a suggestion I'd like to toss around. I think it might be a good idea to consider adding a "-c" parameter to the mysqldump statement in /usr/local/bin/mythbackup.

The -c parameter will cause mysqldump to dump with complete inserts, meaning it will specify the name of the field to insert the data into in each statement. Without it, if the structure of the database changes in field positions or number of fields, the backed up sql will not reimport smoothly. If we use the -c switch, the inserts will be written out so that if any fields are added or moved around in future versions, there is a much better chance of being able to re-use the backed up sql. The only down side is the sql backup file gets somewhat larger, but it might be worth it in this case.

It is very unlikely that fields would be deleted by a schema update, but this is a good idea. Cesman, can we add this into your "to do" list?

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| Nigel Pearson, nigel.pearson.au@gmail.com
| "Things you own end up owning you" - Tyler, Fight Club

This could be a mixed blessing. For example it would cause a problem if they changed a column name (say to correct a mispelling) without changing it's meaning... Kind of six to one, half dozen to the other territory...

It would seem that it would be more likely that a new field might be added. And sometimes new fields are added in the middle of a table structure to keep similar fields neatly grouped together. But I just wanted to throw it out there anyway...

My initial thought is 'the backup/restore scripts have worked fine as is', however I'll investigate the -c option.

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cesman

When the source is open, the possibilities are endless!