# Backing up MySQL databases using cron jobs

> Set up a cPanel cron job that backs up a MySQL database automatically on a schedule, with your login details kept in a config file.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/developers/databases/backing-up-mysql-databases-using-cron-jobs/

**Backing up MySQL databases using cron jobs**\
This article explains how to set up a cron job to automatically back up a MySQL database at scheduled intervals.

**Automated database backups using cron jobs**\
There are two ways to run cron jobs for MySQL backups: including login information in the command or using a configuration file.

**Method 1: Include MySQL login information in the cron job command**\
Create a cron job with the following command:

```
/usr/bin/mysqldump --routines -u dbusername -p'dbpassword' dbname > ${HOME}/path/backup.sql
```

Replace `dbusername` with the database user, `dbpassword` with the password, `dbname` with the database name, and `path` with the backup directory. You can choose any filename for the backup.

**Tip**\
Enclosing the password in single quotes ensures special characters are processed correctly.

To suppress email notifications when the cron job fails, add:

```
2>/dev/null
```

Most users, however, prefer to receive notifications if a cron job fails.

For guidance on creating cron jobs in cPanel, see [this article](https://docs.cpanel.net/).

## Method 2: Use a configuration file to store MySQL login information

1. Create a file named `.my.cnf` in your `/home/username` directory (replace `username` with your account username). Ensure the filename starts with a dot.
2. Add the following, replacing `dbusername` and `dbpassword` with your credentials:

   ```
   [client]
   user = dbusername
   password = "dbpassword"
   host = localhost
   ```
3. Create a cron job with this command (replace `dbname` and `path` as needed):

   ```
   /usr/bin/mysqldump --routines dbname > /path/backup.sql
   ```

**Tip**\
Successful commands produce no output. Errors may trigger an email depending on your configuration. To suppress these emails, append `2>/dev/null` to the command.

For guidance on using cPanel to create cron jobs, see [this article](https://docs.cpanel.net/).

**More information**\
For details on `mysqldump`, visit [MySQL documentation](http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.1/en/mysqldump.html).