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Importing and exporting PostgreSQL databases

PostgreSQL provides built‑in tools for backing up and restoring databases. On ruachost.com, you can use command‑line utilities or phpPgAdmin to import and export PostgreSQL databases for migration, backup, or recovery purposes.

Why Import/Export Databases?

Section titled “Why Import/Export Databases?”
  • Transfer a database between hosting accounts or providers.
  • Back up data for disaster recovery.
  • Restore a database from a previous backup.
  • Share a database with developers or third‑party applications.

Exporting a PostgreSQL Database

Section titled “Exporting a PostgreSQL Database”

Method 1: Using pg_dump

Section titled “Method 1: Using pg_dump”

  1. Log in to your hosting account via SSH.

  2. Run the following command:

    Terminal window
    pg_dump -U dbusername dbname > dbexport.pgsql
    • Replace dbusername with your PostgreSQL username.
    • Replace dbname with the name of the database.
    • The file dbexport.pgsql will contain all database data.

???? Note: If you encounter permission errors with PostGIS templates, use:

Terminal window
pg_dump -U dbusername dbname -N topology -T spatial_ref_sys > dbexport.pgsql

Method 2: Using phpPgAdmin

Section titled “Method 2: Using phpPgAdmin”
  1. Log in to cPanel.
  2. Go to Databases → phpPgAdmin.
  3. Select the database.
  4. Click Export.
  5. Choose Structure and data → Format: SQL → Option: Download.
  6. Save the file locally.

Importing a PostgreSQL Database

Section titled “Importing a PostgreSQL Database”

Step 1: Create a New Database

Section titled “Step 1: Create a New Database”
  1. Log in to cPanel.
  2. Go to Databases → PostgreSQL Databases.
  3. Enter a name for the new database.
  4. Assign a user to the database.

Step 2: Import Data

Section titled “Step 2: Import Data”

Method 1: Using psql

  1. Transfer the backup file (dbexport.pgsql) to your hosting account via SCP, SFTP, or FTP.

  2. Log in via SSH.

  3. Run:

    Terminal window
    pg_dump -U dbusername dbname > dbexport.pgsql

Method 2: Using phpPgAdmin

Section titled “Method 2: Using phpPgAdmin”
  1. Log in to cPanel → phpPgAdmin.
  2. Select the target database.
  3. Click SQL.
  4. Upload the backup file.
  5. Click Execute to import data.