2.2.4.1 Creating a Data Snapshot Using mysqldump

To create a snapshot of the data in an existing source, use the mysqldump tool. Once the data dump has been completed, import this data into the replica before starting the replication process.

The following example dumps all databases to a file named dbdump.db, and includes the --master-data option which automatically appends the CHANGE MASTER TO statement required on the replica to start the replication process:

$> mysqldump --all-databases --master-data > dbdump.db

Note

If you do not use --master-data, then it is necessary to lock all tables in a separate session manually. See Section 2.2.3, “Obtaining the Replication Source's Binary Log Coordinates”.

It is possible to exclude certain databases from the dump using the mysqldump tool. If you want to choose which databases to include in the dump, do not use --all-databases. Choose one of these options:

• Exclude all the tables in the database using --ignore-table option.

• Name only those databases which you want dumped using the --databases option.

For more information, see mysqldump — A Database Backup Program.

To import the data, either copy the dump file to the replica, or access the file from the source when connecting remotely to the replica.