How to back up a postgresql database from within psql?

Question

I am within psql and am wondering if there is a way to backup/restore databases from this command shell. I have read of pg_dump, but that fails with "syntax error at or near pg_dump".

Thanks!

Grzegorz Szpetkowski · Accepted Answer · 2011-09-01 12:38:33Z

9

You can always run shell command directly from psql session using \! [ command ] syntax, for example:

\! pg_dump -Fc -f D:\postgres.dump -U postgres postgres

Of course it's not so common to execute pg_dump or pg_restore in such way, but it's possible.

Chapter VI. Reference contains list of all SQL commands and applications (both client and server).

answered Sep 1, 2011 at 12:38

Grzegorz Szpetkowski

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mu is too short · Accepted Answer · 2011-09-01 03:47:46Z

7

pg_dump is a system command, not a command that you can use from within psql. From within psql you might be looking for something more like 'copy'. You can see it documented here:

http://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/static/sql-copy.html

I'm not a Postgresql expert, but I have found the Postgresql online documentation thorough and professional. I recommend browsing through it if you're planning on using Postgresql to a significant degree.

edited Sep 1, 2011 at 3:47

mu is too short

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answered Sep 1, 2011 at 3:21

Slartibartfast

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1 Comment

G-Man Over a year ago

I had the same issue. I was in psql and had to \q to get back to the shell then run it.

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