# PostgreSQL

# PostgreSQL Import & Export

We always recommend to dump and import through the command line, if possible. This documentation will explain how to do this securely.

# PostgreSQL Export

For most databases (only a couple of gigabytes big), you can dump the database with this command:

pg_dump -U DBUsername DatabaseName > DBNAME.sql

For larger databases (tens of gigabytes or bigger), compress the database to conserve disk space and speed up transfer:

pg_dump -U DBUsername DatabaseName | gzip -3 -v > test.gz

# Transferring the Database

Use scp to transfer the file:

scp FileName user@HostnameOrIP:Path/To/Folder

Hint: To place the file in the user's home directory, remove everything after the colon.

# Importing the Database 

psql -U DBUsername DatabaseName < dbname

Or, if compressed:

gunzip -c dbname.gz | psql -U DBUsername DatabaseName

Hint: Large databases can take time to import, especially on high-load servers.

# Extra Tips

# Nohup

Use nohup to ensure the dump or import continues if the connection is lost.

# Screen

Use screen to allow session sharing or recovery:

  • Create a session:

    screen -S <session_name>

  • Disconnect (keep running):

    Ctrl + A, then D

  • Reattach or take over session:

    screen -dr <session_name>

  • List sessions:

    screen -ls

# SSH Key

Avoid password prompts by setting up SSH key authentication.