How to use the command 'gcloud sql export sql' (with examples)

The gcloud sql export sql command is used to export data from a Cloud SQL instance to a SQL file in Google Cloud Storage. This command is particularly useful for creating backups or migrating data.

Use case 1: Export data from a specific Cloud SQL instance to a Google Cloud Storage bucket as a SQL dump file

Code:

gcloud sql export sql instance gs://bucket_name/file_name

Motivation: This use case allows you to export data from a specific Cloud SQL instance and store it as a SQL dump file in a designated Google Cloud Storage bucket. This can be useful for creating backups or transferring data between instances.

Explanation:

• instance is the name of the Cloud SQL instance from which you want to export the data.
• gs://bucket_name/file_name is the location in Google Cloud Storage where you want to store the exported SQL dump file.

Example output:

Operation [operation-id] will be queued to export instance [instance-name] to gs://bucket_name/file_name.

Use case 2: Export data asynchronously, returning immediately without waiting for the operation to complete

Code:

gcloud sql export sql instance gs://bucket_name/file_name --async

Motivation: By using the --async flag, you can initiate the export operation and return immediately without waiting for it to complete. This is useful when you want to perform other tasks while the export operation is in progress.

Explanation:

• --async is a flag that tells the command to execute the export operation asynchronously, allowing you to continue with other tasks immediately.

Example output:

Export operation started for instance [instance-name]. To check the status, use the command: gcloud sql operations describe [operation-id].

Use case 3: Export data from specific databases within the Cloud SQL instance

Code:

gcloud sql export sql instance gs://bucket_name/file_name --database=database1,database2,...

Motivation: This use case allows you to export data from specific databases within the Cloud SQL instance, instead of exporting all databases. This can be useful when you want to export only a subset of databases.

Explanation:

• --database is a flag that specifies the name of the databases you want to export. You can provide a comma-separated list of database names.

Example output:

Exporting databases [database1, database2] from instance [instance-name] to gs://bucket_name/file_name.

Use case 4: Export specific tables from a specified database within the Cloud SQL instance

Code:

gcloud sql export sql instance gs://bucket_name/file_name --database=database --table=table1,table2,...

Motivation: With this use case, you can export specific tables from a specified database within the Cloud SQL instance. This allows you to selectively export only the required tables, instead of exporting the entire database.

Explanation:

• --table is a flag that specifies the name of the tables you want to export. You can provide a comma-separated list of table names.
• --database is a flag that specifies the name of the database containing the tables you want to export.

Example output:

Exporting tables [table1, table2] from database [database] in instance [instance-name] to gs://bucket_name/file_name.

Use case 5: Export data while offloading the operation to a temporary instance to reduce strain on the source instance

Code:

gcloud sql export sql instance gs://bucket_name/file_name --offload

Motivation: By using the --offload flag, you can offload the export operation to a temporary instance, resulting in reduced strain on the source Cloud SQL instance. This can be useful to minimize the impact on the source instance during the export process.

Explanation:

• --offload is a flag that tells the command to offload the export operation to a temporary instance, reducing the strain on the source instance.

Example output:

Export operation started for database [database] in instance [instance-name] by offloading to a temporary instance. To check the status, use the command: gcloud sql operations describe [operation-id].

Use case 6: Export data and compress the output with gzip

Code:

gcloud sql export sql instance gs://bucket_name/file_name.gz

Motivation: This use case allows you to export data from a Cloud SQL instance and compress the output using gzip. This can save storage space when transferring or storing the exported data.

Explanation:

• gs://bucket_name/file_name.gz is the location in Google Cloud Storage where you want to store the exported SQL dump file. The .gz file extension indicates that the output file will be compressed using gzip.

Example output:

Operation [operation-id] will be queued to export instance [instance-name] to gs://bucket_name/file_name.gz. The output file will be compressed with gzip.

Conclusion:

The gcloud sql export sql command is a powerful tool for exporting data from Cloud SQL instances. With the various use cases and options available, it provides flexibility and control over the export operation. Whether you need to create backups, migrate data, or selectively export specific databases or tables, this command has you covered.