Blogger vs WordPress Blog

In a previous article we saw how to manually back up a WordPress website. In particular, we saw how to backup a database, and how to restore it.

However, when we try to restore a database, a problem can occur, not discussed in the previous article. What about big databases? There's always a limit in the allowed file uploads, especially when we talk about importing a database dump, and there's always a risk of exceeding this limit. But there is a way to easily backup and restore large WordPress databases.

In this article, I'll cover how to restore big database dumps with a useful tool called BigDump. Essentially, BigDump is a PHP script that allows you to import a database dump as big as you want, even if your upload limit is low. Note that BigDump is released under the GNU GPL 2 license.

After restoring a big database dump with BigDump, I'll show you how to automatically generate these dumps thanks to a WordPress plugin named WP-DBManager, because you don't have time to waste manually backing up your database every day!

Generating a BigDump-ready Database Dump

I've already covered how to back up a WordPress database in the previous article, so we won't describe how to do that again. However, there's something you should know if you want to use BigDump.

In practice, BigDump splits your file into as many files as necessary for your server to allow the import, and sometimes the split can cause trouble – if you use extended inserts that allow you to optimize your SQL queries by merging several INSERT queries into one.

Let's clarify the situation with a simple example. Assume that we have a table tbl with three columns a, b and c. In this table we have two rows: (1, 2, 3) and (4, 5, 6). If we don't use extended inserts, two queries are necessary to insert the two rows:

INSERT INTO tbl (a, b, c) VALUES (1, 2, 3); INSERT INTO tbl (a, b, c) VALUES (4, 5, 6);

However, we can use extended inserts to optimize this insert:

INSERT INTO tbl (a, b, c) VALUES (1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6);

Here we inserted two rows with one query. Of course in this example the gained time is negligible, but with a big table containing a large number of rows, the advantage can be significant.

The problem is that if your table is a very big one, BigDump can't split these types of queries. That's why we must avoid extended inserts when we want to use BigDump: we must ask phpMyAdmin (or your preferred tool/method) to export our data in the shape of the first piece of SQL code above, with INSERT INTO in every insert.

The file will then be bigger. However, as we'll use a script that supports any size we need, size won't be a problem.

The good news is we can ask phpMyAdmin to avoid extended inserts. To do this, when we export a database we can choose the "Custom" option to customize the way the dump is generated.

Then, in the "Data creation options" section, we will find the option "Syntax to use when inserting data". The default value is extended inserts: change it to the first one ("include column names in every INSERT statement"). That way, phpMyAdmin will generate inserts as we see above.

We're now ready to use BigDump!

Restoring a Big Database with BigDump Download and Install BigDump

You can download BigDump from the official BigDump website. You'll download an archive containing a PHP file called bigdump.php.

You can place BigDump anywhere you want on your computer, in a directory accessible from your web server (for example, I created a special folder named "Tools" which contains some useful tools like BigDump).

Then, you can access BigDump by using its URL (in my example, it's http://127.0.0.1/Tools/bigdump.php).

Initializing BigDump

Before importing our big file, we need to initialize BigDump to allow it to know how to access our database. That can be achieved by editing the bigdump.php file.

The first four defined variables, right after the big comment informing us about the license, are the ones you will need to edit.

Their names are pretty clear: you must indicate in $db_server the server where your database is stored, in $db_name the name of your database and in $db_username and $db_password your login information. These details are the same as what you'll find inside wp-config.php or any other web application that uses MySQL.

By default, BigDump uses the utf8 charset but you can modify this by editing the value of the variable $db_connection_charset defined right after the ones we just edited.

We're now ready to import our big file. Just access BigDump by visiting its URL, as described above.

Importing a Big Database Dump

There are two ways we can import a big file. The first one is by using the form BigDump created: you use the "Browse…" button as usual to select your file, and hit the "Upload" button to submit your file. The problem with this method is you are still limited by the upload limit of your server. Moreover, the directory containing BigDump must be writable for PHP.

The second method is by directly uploading your file on your server, using FTP/SFTP/SCP for example. Your file must be placed in the same directory of the bigdump.php file.

Once your file is uploaded (thanks to the form or via FTP/SFTP/SCP), it is accessible from the BigDump interface.

If the folder is writable, you can delete your SQL files directly from this interface once it's used. To import the file into the database indicated into the variables we edited above, hit the "Start Import" link on the line corresponding to the file you just uploaded.

Then, BigDump will display a new page indicating the progress of the import. All you have to do here is wait for the end of the file to be reached. You can also abort the import by hitting the "STOP" link below the table.

Once the import is finished, that's it! Your data is imported into your database and you can delete your SQL files. Congratulations, you just got around the size limit when you want to import an SQL file!

WP-DBManager – a WordPress Plugin to Automatically Backup Your Database

We know how to manually back up our WordPress database. And how to restore it, even if it's huge, thanks to BigDump. However, manually backing up a database is not a fun task, especially if we do it every week, or every day. That's why there's a wide range of tools that can automatically do this for us.

Also mentioned in a previous article on WordPress maintenance, WP-DBManager is freely available from WordPress.org. WP-DBManager stores its backups in the /wp-content/backup-db directory and, in some cases, it can't create this folder by itself. To fix this issue, create this folder and make it writable for PHP.

To create the first initial backup of your database, you can go to the 'Backup DB' entry of the 'Database' menu (which appears with the plugin activation). At the bottom of the page you'll be able to hit a 'Backup' button which will launch the backup.

You can manage your backups via "Manage Backup DB". Here you'll be able to delete old backups, download the ones you want to retrieve or even send them by email.

The section we're really interested in is "DB Options", specifically the subsection labeled "Automatic Scheduling". The first option, "Automatic Backing Up of DB", allows you to set a time interval for your backups. For example, if you set "2 weeks", WP-DBManager will automatically backup your database every two weeks. You'll be able to access these backups from the section we described above, but you can also choose to receive them by email, which might come in handy for some.

In Conclusion

Backing up your WordPress database is important. It contains the data for your website, and without a backup of it, if your WordPress website crashes, you risk losing valuable data.

There are several ways to back up your database: the manual way and the automatic way with WP-DBManager. You can even develop your own tools. If this is the case, then please don't hesitate to share them in the comments below!

Moreover, with BigDump, you can easily restore your data regardless of the size. In just one click you can restore, without the need to manually split the file.

Source: Backing up and Restoring Large WordPress Databases

The Hive Vancouver, 128 W. Hastings

LOCATION: HiVE, 128 W Hastings St #210, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G8DATE: Sun, October 4, 2015TIME: 10:00AM - 04:00PMINSTRUCTOR: Laura EaginLearn how to build a website using WordPress: the popular blog and website publishing software. Whether you're trying to set up a simple website for your small business, a personal blog, or perhaps you use WordPress at work and would like to learn more, this workshop is for you. From pages to posts, widgets to plugins, you'll learn all about how to customize and maintain WordPress on your own website.

We will cover:

the difference between WordPress.com and hosting WordPress on your siteselecting and installing a WordPress themebuilding webpages and your site's menu baradding a blog to your websiteplugins and widgets: how to customize WordPressbest practices for backing up and protecting your websiteINCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

high quality instruction by a professional WordPress expertsmall class sizea testing we bsite for you to keep, so you can build your own website during the class (and then we'll help you launch it)a take-home WordPress reference guidea chance for you to network with other business owners and marketing professionalsdelicious catered lunchgoodie bag full of fun Camp Tech swagofficial recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn or your resume)Note: Laptop computers are required for this class.

Source: Wordpress for Beginners - Camp Tech

Q I've heard that WordPress is a very popular web tool for building websites. What are the pros and cons?

A WordPress is indeed a very popular tool for building websites and blogs and as a Content Management System (CMS). At last count some 75 million sites worldwide use the free platform with its open source structure that allows users to save time by using code that is already written. Additionally, WordPress is incredibly easy to use — there's no complicated programming to learn and practically anyone can get a site up and running quickly and efficiently.

Additionally, WordPress can be easily installed on a hosting server of your choice, it's search engine optimized-friendly (for good rankings and results from Google queries), there are lots of plug-ins that allow users to customize their pages in creative ways and, most importantly, the administrator interface is incredibly convenient and intuitive, ideal for those who aren't tech experts. And of course, the basic version of the platform is free, and users can upgrade to a more advanced version for relatively cheap.

On the downside, because it's open source, it's easy for hackers to find security holes and corrupt your site. Therefore, it's critical to constantly update your system to close those gaps in security that constantly appear — the aforementioned plug-ins are particularly vulnerable. Also, it's really designed for smaller websites, so if someone wants to embark on a huge e-tail project, the options for expansion are limited. Many users lament the fact that, due to the limited design options, many WordPress sites tend to look too similar; the speed of the site, including page-loading times, are slower because of all the generic code inherent in the platform; and, unlike custom-built sites, WordPress pages don't afford complete copyright protection for all the concepts and ideas you post.

Q Is buying computer software a thing of the past now that applications are moving to the cloud on a subscription basis?

A There's been a major shift in how we use software and especially in how we pay for it. And this shift is happening now thanks to the advent of cloud computing.

When you purchase software in the traditional manner, you install the program onto your computer and get a perpetual license, meaning it lives on your system and belongs to you forever. And if problems arise with the software such as security holes or glitches the software company will often offer free patches and updates as well as deals on upgrades when they release a new version. However, with this option all the data stored within the program is contained on your local network, meaning it's susceptible to corruption or loss and you need to back it up yourself on a regular basis. Also, if the program fails, plan on needing a tech specialist to fix the problem.

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Cloud subscription pricing, on the other hand, usually work on a pay-per-user fee on a monthly or yearly basis. The software is delivered over the Internet and doesn't live on your hard drive, and this option sometimes comes with a free trial version. Utilizing software in this manner is akin to renting or leasing: you can stop using it when you want and your payments will cease. Additionally, your data, like the software itself, is automatically backed up on the cloud, so even if your network crashes you won't lose all your hard work. And lastly, all IT services are on the cloud as well, so it's easier to get help with the software if you're having problems.

In general, most tech experts agree that the days of installing a hard copy — such as a physical CD — of a program onto your hard drive are coming to an end. But the option will likely be available for at least the near future as many people just aren't ready to allow their software and data to exist only in the virtual world. And in terms of bottom line cost, paying a monthly or yearly fee for a cloud-based program will probably cost more than buying the software outright.

The bottom line

On a straight cost basis, pay-per-user monthly cloud services currently turn out to be generally more expensive than conventional software ownership. This is especially the case when nonprofits and libraries can get TechSoup on-premises software donations. Cloud services may tend to save money in overall IT costs in the amount of tech support and maintenance they require. In other words, they may cost more per month, but save money in the number of IT staffing hours you need. In any case, interesting times are ahead on this.

Terry and Clarence Low are co-founders of Byte Technology, a web design firm serving nonprofits. Their personal technology column appears on alternating Saturdays. Read more news on their blog at www.byte-technology.com/blog. Send questions to tlow@byte-technology.com, or write to Bits 'N' Bytes, 400 Camino El Estero, Monterey 93940. Reach the author at tlow@byte-technology.com.

Source: Terry and Clarence Low, Bits 'N' Bytes: WordPress has its upsides and downsides

More in News

Apple addressed numerous vulnerabilities with the release of OS X El Capitan v10.11, iOS 9.0.2, and Safari 9 this week.

FBI agents seized a child pornography website and then tracked users, one of whom they arrested on Staten Island earlier this month.

The Trump Hotel Collection confirmed that malware had gained unauthorized access to customer payment card data at seven properties.

Source: Update: WordPress malware, VisitorTracker, getting stronger

As the most widely used designing resource available for developers, WordPress tops the list. Right now WordPress has an exciting 24% share of absolute usage percentage over the web when compared with the market share of other content management system based websites. The platform is one amazing as it offers various tools to both designers and developers to take their creativity to the next level.

WordPress is backed by significant plugins, themes, and a bunch of other important tools that are beneficial to be utilized for web development needs. In the write-up, we are going to provide you an overview of some of the essential tools that equally serve WordPress developers as well as designers in various web development tasks.

Top 10 WordPress Tools

1. Notepad ++As a text and source code editor, Notepad ++ supports tabbed editing. It helps and allows the developers to work with multiple open file s in a single window. The best thing about this exceptional WordPress tool is that it supports more than 50 programming, scripting & markup languages. Notepad ++ is backed by powerful editing component and runs efficiently in MS Windows environment.

2. Aptana Studio 3Aptana Studios 3 comes for free and runs on Linux, Mac, & Windows platform. This professional open source WordPress development tool significantly helps developers when it comes to testing the entire website in a single environment. This development tool has got exceptional support from JavaScript, Ruby, Rails, PHP, CSS3, Python, and HTML5.

3. XAMPPXAMPP is completely free and easy to install WordPress tool that truly aids the developers in web development. As an open-source package, XAMPP easily runs on Windows, OS X, as well as Linux . There is a huge community behind the development tool that provides powerful support to the users. This easy to install and use tool makes it easy for the developers as well as users to utilize the development kit.

4. Instant WPAs the name defines its features, Instant WP is a complete package that creates WordPress development environment for the developers. The best news about Instant WP is that it has its own built in Apche web server, MySQL and PHP installation that can be started and stopped automatically. A set of dummy WordPress pages is already there so the users do not need to create data or posts to test themes and plugins. Installation of Instant WP can be done as many times as needed by the user and can also be deleted instantly by just removing the folder.

5. Debug BarDebar Bar adds "Debug" at the admin bar, which is a new menu. By clicking on the menu, it immediately reflects the information about cache, total queries, memory usages, total time queried, etc. that help the developers in the debugging process. When enabling WP_DEBUG, developers may also see some PHP warning and notices.

6. Theme CheckTheme Check is a WordPress development tool that lets the developers measure the WordPress themes against the current coding standards and the best practices. This from WordPress also helps check the required elements that are to be presented in the theme that includes theme screenshot, author information, as well as license.

7. Beta TesterBeta Tester is one exceptional WordPress tool that help users update Beta releases. After the plugin is installed successfully, it helps to upgrade any of the blogs to the latest Beta version, RC or Release Candidate. Upgradation can easily be done with a click of a button only by making use of built-in upgrader.

8. Theme Demo BarTheme Demo Bar as a WordPress tool is a plugin that enables the developers to preview the WordPress theme without activating the same. With this, a demo bar is shown on the top of the page in addition to allowing users to easy preview of other themes. With this plugin in use, the demo bar can be customized at the admin panel.

9. User SwitchingAs an essential WordPress tool, User Switching helps the users switch between registered users without the additional need of entering the usernames and passwords. Once the WordPress tool is activated, it launches a new menu called "switch off" in the admin bar. This WordPress tool will prove handy if you need to create plugins with the new set of capabilities.

10. GenerateWPTo help users create advance applications on WordPress through a series of simple forms, Generate WP WordPress tool proves to be a handy option. This tool uses Twitter Bootstrap framework for the front-end as well as iconic fonts that help them add color, images, padding, and more on the website.

The list of these top 10 WordPress tools helps the developers and designers create new dimensions when providing web development services to the clients. The list can help you exceptionally when it comes to delivering user-centric WordPress websites.

(About the author: Being a creative developer at Sparx IT Solutions- WordPress Development Company, Tom Hardy remains abreast of the latest website trends in the market. He loves to share his knowledge and ideas with the people through blogs and keeps them aware of the current changes in technologies.)
Source: Essential Wordpress Tools For All Developers & Designers