Discussion Forums  >  Self Hosted Control Panels

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tb
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01/14/14 05:56 AM (11 years ago)

How important is the database?

Hi all, There's always been some hidden thing I didn't know about the Self-Hosted control panels. And this hidden thing is databases. You know, the MySQL stuff. As far as I can see, the database is just something you do when setting up the control panel, however I have heard something different lately. I hear that you should back up the database before making any self-hosted changes, which suggests to me that the database contains the data for the apps. But as far as I know, the /applications directory keeps all the app's content and settings, so what does the database do? I'm probably wrong, so I'd like some clarification. Thanks,
 
SmugWimp
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01/14/14 06:22 AM (11 years ago)
The database holds records of everything. Your applications and their configurations. Your plugin details. Control Panel users. Push records. Whatever BT can do, it keeps a note or more about it in your database. Your BT_config.txt file is created based on info pulled from your database, NOT your applications directory. What's held in your applications directory is your images, documents, things that you've uploaded to your control panel, and your OTA compiled apps. No source code; that's held in the BT servers, or in your plugins (different directory). I'm far more concerned with my database than I am the files/applications directory. Hope this helps! Cheers! -- Smug
 
GoNorthWest
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01/14/14 07:16 AM (11 years ago)
Totally agree. It concerns me when I hear that people have backed up their self hosted server files, but there's no mention of the database. As Smug mentions, it holds everything. If you loose it, you loose your apps and pretty much everything else. It should be backed up frequently! Mark
 
Dragon007
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01/14/14 07:19 AM (11 years ago)
Mate, without the database you have nothing, no apps, no control panel, unless you start again from scratch. That's why its important to backup you database at least once a month, if you can be bothered. I say, be bothered.
 
MacApple
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01/14/14 08:08 AM (11 years ago)
Have a peek at your DB with phpmyadmin or similar and you'll get an idea of how important it is. As mentioned above this is the first thing I look to with backups. MOST important. Always amazes me how much goes on in the backend and makeup of BT from David and team. Previous companies I worked for had half a dozen staff to cover all his work. SQL ObjC Web etc So on and so forth.
 
mysps
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01/14/14 10:33 AM (11 years ago)
If you download Mr David's sweet db backup mod for self hosted it works wonders. I use it monthly and it takes literally less than 2 seconds.
 
tb
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01/14/14 04:21 PM (11 years ago)
OK guys, you've convinced me! I've got the BuzzBackup thingy set up, which is great. I did some very small changes to the code, which meant I don't have to keep everything in the messy root folder. When I took a look at the database file (which is over 5000 lines long), I got scared by the fact this was the one file I wasn't backing up, yet it contained all the data!!! Up until today, I didn't even know it was there. Now I know it's the most important single file! Thanks guys. I'm more beginner than you think!
 
SmugWimp
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01/14/14 04:26 PM (11 years ago)
Don't sweat it; you don't know until you know. :) There are many things I need to learn… I just wish I knew what they were :) Cheers! -- Smug
 
tb
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01/14/14 04:29 PM (11 years ago)
We all get that feeling Smug! PS. Does your grey guy have a name?
 

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