A versatile tool for backing up and restoring MySQL databases in C#, VB.NET, and ASP.NET.
Latest Release: v2.3.9 (March 13, 2025)
Change Log
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.
- 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.
Grab the latest release from: GitHub Releases
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/
See the detailed guide:
How to Add This Library into Your Project
string connString = "server=localhost;user=root;pwd=qwerty;database=test;";
string filePath = @"C:\backup.sql";
using (var conn = new MySqlConnection(connString))
{
using (var cmd = new MySqlCommand())
{
using (var mb = new MySqlBackup(cmd))
{
cmd.Connection = conn;
conn.Open();
mb.ExportToFile(filePath);
conn.Close();
}
}
}string connString = "server=localhost;user=root;pwd=qwerty;database=test;";
string filePath = @"C:\backup.sql";
using (var conn = new MySqlConnection(connString))
{
using (var cmd = new MySqlCommand())
{
using (var mb = new MySqlBackup(cmd))
{
cmd.Connection = conn;
conn.Open();
mb.ImportFromFile(filePath);
conn.Close();
}
}
}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.
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 |
For databases with UTF-8 or Unicode characters (e.g., À, Ñ, Cyrillic, Chinese), use:
server=localhost;user=root;pwd=qwerty;charset=utf8;
Or, for broader support:
server=localhost;user=root;pwd=qwerty;charset=utf8mb4;
To avoid conversion errors with null or date-only values, add:
server=localhost;user=root;pwd=qwerty;charset=utf8;convertzerodatetime=true;
Compare MySqlBackup.NET to MySqlDump for a 3.5GB database (15M rows):
| Task | Tool | Time | File Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backup | MySqlDump | ~2m 35s | 4.66 GB |
| Backup | MySqlBackup.NET | ~7m 48s | 4.59 GB |
| Restore | MySql.exe | ~8m 41s | - |
| Restore | MySqlBackup.NET | ~9m 41s | - |
Full details: Performance Benchmark Wiki
Backup All Databases
Export all databases to separate SQL files with this sub-project:
MySqlBackup_All_DB
MySqlBackup.NET is released under The Unlicense, making it free for any use.
MySqlBackup.NET empowers developers and end-users alike with a robust, .NET-native solution for MySQL database management. Whether for desktop apps, web services, or automated backups, it’s a versatile addition to your toolkit.
Explore more on GitHub!
