MySqlBackup.NET

A versatile tool for backing up and restoring MySQL databases in C#, VB.NET, and ASP.NET.

Latest Release: v2.7 (March 21st, 2026)
Change Log

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Overview

MySqlBackup.NET is a .NET library (DLL) designed to backup and restore MySQL databases. Compatible with multiple MySQL connectors—MySql.Data.DLL, MySqlConnector.DLL, and Devart.Express.MySql.DLL—it offers a programmatic alternative to tools like MySqlDump, providing greater control and flexibility in .NET environments.

Developed in C#, this library supports any .NET language (e.g., VB.NET, F#) and excels in scenarios where MySqlDump.exe or MySQL Workbench are impractical, such as web-based applications (ASP.NET) or end-user tools with simplified interfaces.

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Key Features

• Backup and restore MySQL databases programmatically.
• Supports all .NET languages.
• Export/import via files or MemoryStream.
• Conditional row exports (filter tables/rows).
• Progress reporting for export and import tasks.
• Flexible row export modes: INSERT, INSERT IGNORE, REPLACE, ON DUPLICATE KEY UPDATE, UPDATE.
• Ideal for ASP.NET and web service integration.

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Getting Started

Installation

Download

Grab the latest release from: GitHub Releases

NuGet Packages

Install via NuGet Package Manager:

• MySqlConnector:
  PM> Install-Package MySqlBackup.NET.MySqlConnector
  https://www.nuget.org/packages/MySqlBackup.NET.MySqlConnector/

• MySql.Data Connector:
  PM> Install-Package MySqlBackup.NET
  https://www.nuget.org/packages/MySqlBackup.NET/

• Devart Express Connector:
  PM> Install-Package MySqlBackup.Net.DevartExpress
  https://www.nuget.org/packages/MySqlBackup.Net.DevartExpress/

Add to Your Project

See the detailed guide:
How to Add This Library into Your Project

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Basic Usage

Start by adding the appropriate using statement to your file:

// For MySqlConnector.NET (MIT)
using MySqlConnector;

// For MySQL .NET Connector by Oracle
using MySql.Data.MySqlClient;

// For dotConnect for MySQL by Devart
using Devart.Data.MySql;

Backup a Database

string constr = "server=localhost;user=root;pwd=1234;database=test1;convertzerodatetime=true;";
string filePath = @"C:\backup.sql";

using (MySqlConnection conn = new MySqlConnection(constr))
using (MySqlCommand cmd = conn.CreateCommand())
using (MySqlBackup mb = new MySqlBackup(cmd))
{
    conn.Open();
    mb.ExportToFile(filePath);
}

Restore a Database

string constr = "server=localhost;user=root;pwd=1234;database=test1;convertzerodatetime=true;";
string filePath = @"C:\backup.sql";

using (MySqlConnection conn = new MySqlConnection(constr))
using (MySqlCommand cmd = conn.CreateCommand())
using (MySqlBackup mb = new MySqlBackup(cmd))
{
    conn.Open();
    mb.ImportFromFile(filePath);
}

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Why MySqlBackup.NET?

Unlike MySQL Workbench (developer-focused) or MySqlDump.exe (restricted in web environments), MySqlBackup.NET offers:

• End-User Simplicity: Preset parameters for a one-click backup experience.
• Web Compatibility: Runs seamlessly in ASP.NET, bypassing hosting restrictions on executables.
• Programmatic Control: Fine-tuned output handling within .NET.

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Dependencies

MySqlBackup.NET requires one of these MySQL connectors:

| Connector | Source | License | DLLs | |-----------------------|---------------------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------| | MySqlConnector | MySqlConnector | MIT | MySqlConnector.dll | | MySql.Data | MySQL Connector/Net | GPL | MySql.Data.dll | | Devart Express | dotConnect for MySQL | Custom (FAQ) | Devart.Data.dll, Devart.Data.MySql.dll |

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Compatibility

We aim for MySqlBackup.NET to achieve 100% SQL compliance, ensuring seamless compatibility with mysqldump and mysql.exe for both backup and restore operations. Version 2.6 introduces key improvements, addressing some flaws in previous version and compatibility challenges with mysqldump-generated files. If you encounter any incompatibilities, we welcome feedback via GitHub Issues to help us refine and uphold this goal.

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Configuration Tips

Unicode Support

• Always use the default character set of utf8mb4, or utf8 in older MySQL versions that do not support utf8mb4.
• It is recommended to use convertzerodatetime=true in the connection string for compatibility when handling null datetime values.

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Performance Benchmark

For a 416 MB database (400,000 rows, 4 tables, InnoDB) on an Intel Core i7-4770S (3.10GHz, 16GB RAM, SSD Samsung 870 Evo 500GB):

| Task | Tool | Avg. Time | File Size | |--------------|-------------------|-----------|------------| | Backup | MySqlBackup.NET (Parallel) | ~10.21s | 571.588 MB | | Backup | MySqlBackup.NET (Single) | ~15.72s | 571.588 MB | | Backup | mysqldump.exe | ~6.76s | 566.976 MB | | Restore | MySqlBackup.NET | ~35.87s | - | | Restore | mysql.exe | ~32.76s | - |

MySqlBackup.NET v2.6 offers competitive performance, especially in parallel mode, with significant improvements over previous versions. Full details: Performance Benchmark Wiki.

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License

MySqlBackup.NET is released under The Unlicense, making it free for any use.

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Explore more on GitHub!