- How do I install druidfi/mysqldump-php in a Laravel application?
- Install it with Composer using composer require druidfi/mysqldump-php. Then create a small service or Artisan command that passes your database credentials and dump options into the library. Avoid calling it directly from controllers or models; keep it behind an internal backup interface.
- Does druidfi/mysqldump-php work without shell access or the mysqldump binary?
- Yes. It is a pure-PHP MySQL dump library that uses PDO rather than shelling out to the mysqldump CLI. That makes it useful on shared hosting, locked-down containers, and managed PHP platforms where executing binaries is restricted. You still need PDO MySQL connectivity and sufficient PHP memory and execution time.
- Which Laravel and PHP versions are supported by druidfi/mysqldump-php?
- The package is not Laravel-specific, so Laravel version support depends on its PHP and PDO requirements rather than a Laravel service provider. Check the package composer.json and test against your PHP version, pdo_mysql extension, and database server before adopting it. Laravel can use it through a wrapper service, command, or queued job.
- Can I dump only specific tables or export schema and data separately with druidfi/mysqldump-php?
- Yes. The package supports configurable tables and schema/data options, so you can filter tables and choose what to include in the dump. This is useful for tenant exports, seed snapshots, and selective backups. Validate options against your MySQL or MariaDB version and test the resulting restore.
- Does druidfi/mysqldump-php support compressed database backups?
- Yes, compression is one of the configurable dump options. You can write compressed dumps to local storage or a Laravel filesystem disk such as S3. Test the compression format and restore path in CI so you know the archive is readable when you need it.
- Is druidfi/mysqldump-php suitable for large production databases?
- It can work for moderate logical dumps, but PHP-based dumps consume application CPU and memory and may hit max_execution_time or queue worker limits. Use dedicated workers, off-peak scheduling, compression, and table filtering where possible. For very large databases or strict RPO/RTO targets, keep native mysqldump, physical backups, or managed snapshots as the primary strategy.
- What are the licensing concerns for using druidfi/mysqldump-php in a Laravel app?
- The technical evaluation flags GPL-3.0 as the dominant risk, especially if the package is distributed to customers or embedded in a distributed Laravel application. Legal should confirm whether your use is internal/SaaS-only or whether GPL obligations apply to distribution. Treat license compliance as an ongoing review item, not a one-time check.
- How should I integrate druidfi/mysqldump-php into Laravel without coupling domain code?
- Wrap it in an internal DatabaseDumpService or BackupDriver interface and call that from an Artisan command or queued job. Keep credentials in secrets management, write dumps to encrypted storage disks, and emit metrics and notifications. Do not call the package directly from controllers or model code.
- How do I verify that backups from druidfi/mysqldump-php restore correctly?
- Run restore tests into a disposable database using a representative schema and data set. Compare row counts, checksums, routines, triggers, events, views, charset, collation, and binary columns. Add CI tests and periodic restore drills, and keep a tested fallback to native mysqldump or managed snapshots.
- What alternatives should I consider before adopting druidfi/mysqldump-php?
- Consider native mysqldump where shell access is available, managed database snapshots, physical backup tooling, or Laravel backup packages that fit your RPO/RTO needs. The package is most compelling when the native CLI is unavailable or inconvenient and you need portable logical SQL dumps. Given its low maturity signal and unknown repository, pin the version, monitor upstream changes, and maintain an internal fork or patch path.