Most of the time, you’re going to be able to backup your MySQL database using the control panels. Sometimes that process just doesn’t work. It can just fail outright. Sometimes it times out if you’ve got a pretty big database. To get around these issues, having a PHP script in place that will help you invoke a MySQL dump to give you a backup file in your private directory is the solution that you need. You can also set up the PHP to dump one or more of your tables or just a select number of your databases if you have more than one on a server.

1. A Simple, Basic Script

One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to just add your own script to the existing PHP file that you have so that you can get the backup done. No matter what platform you’re using for MySQL, the following line can be added to your PHP file so that you can run the backup by visiting the PHP URL through your browser.

/user/local/www/vhosts/YOURDOMAIN.COM/private/BACKUPFILENAME.sql”);
?>

2. Use MySQL Hotcopy

If you are performing a backup on your server and the tables that you have on that server are all MyISAM tables, then you can use MySQL Hotcopy in order to do the backup as well. This process gives you a number of different options to backup the tables, including the ability to keep the target direct name intact, insert checkpoint entries, or even reset the binary log after you lock all of the tables.

If you have anything on your server besides the MyISAM tables, however, you won’t be able to use this process.

3. Use Exec() For External Commands

Depending on the system that you are using, you may need to utilize an execute command in your scripts to be able to successfully get the file dump to start. That’s typically seen in Linux systems and it would also allow you to run it directly from the internet. In this instance, your script would look like this instead.

exec(‘mysqldump -user= –password= –host= DATABASE_NAME > /path/to/output/file.sql’);

4. Use Shell Commands

In the open source MySQL system, you might want to setup the option of being able to download something specific instead of having to download the entire server. This is especially beneficial if certain tables are updated daily, while others might be updated weekly, monthly, or on a different timing system. To do so, you might consider utilizing the Shell commands with your script, as you can see below.

shell> mysqldump [options] database_name [table_name]
shell> mysqldump [options] -databases name
shell> mysqldump [options] -all-databases

If you want to dump an entire database, then just don’t name any tables following the database name. You can also use the all-databases option if you prefer. It is important to note that the mysqldum won’t include the information-schema database unless you specifically name it in the command line and you’ve got to use the skip/lock/tables option to do it.

One of the most effective ways to get feedback from your website is to have a single-page website form that will let your users send you a quick message. With a PHP form mailer, you can avoid the problems with security and the big customized scripts that similar pages have. All you’ve got to do is copy/paste these mailer scripts onto your preferred page and you’ll have a powerful tool that will help you provide a better UX in just seconds.

1. Free Contact Form – http://extensions.joomla.org/contact-forms

One of the advantages of a good PHP form mailer is that it gives you the opportunity to include your branding to a user one more time. You’ll be able to get a fully customized script from Free Contact Form if you wish, but there’s also a simple form that you can literally copy and paste into your website. You’ve just got to change the file name contact within the bare bones script and you’ll have the mailer you need up and running. From there, you can also edit the style of the form to better match your style.

2. Tutvid.com – http://tutvid.com/

One of the most effective places to get your PHP form mailer scripts is Tutvid.com. Not only will you be taken through the creation of your script line by line, but you’ll get a deeper understanding of how to customize your script so that it is very inviting for your users to send you feedback. You can give yourself the chance to gather customized information through the various fields, process the information quickly into a useable form, and receive it in your preferred email address – not just the webmaster address.

3. Form To Email – http://www.freecontactform.com/

How about creating your own customized PHP form mailer in just three minutes? Form to Email is a cloud-based form processing center that eliminates the need to do any PHP programming. You have everything processed in the cloud and then it is run through your control panel. You can also create forms to use in plenty of fields, use your own HTML or forms, or use their stock forms. It’s perfect for the beginner who needs a form mailer right away and may not have the code knowledge to correct a copy/paste error from a sample code from elsewhere.

4. Bell Online – http://bellonline.co.uk/

One of the best mailer scripts that is simple to install can be found through this UK site. You just download the mailer script for free and it’s super easy to customize it to meet your needs. Your users will also be prompted to enter random validation codes so you won’t get flooded with automated submissions that will just waste your time.

There’s no script editing involved either – you just change the config file based on the prompts that are already included and then you’re ready to get going. You won’t get extra fields or drop down menus for the free code, but you can get your coding fully modified by Bell Online for a reasonable price if you don’t want to do it yourself.