Heroku Export Database Guide

Using PGBackups for Database Export

PGBackups, utilizing pg_dump, effectively backs up database files for export to PostgreSQL installations. For databases over 20GB, logical backups are advisable. The process yields compact backup files in a custom format. To import from external sources, upload the dump file to an HTTP-accessible URL and use the pg:backups restore command. Post-import, delete the dump file if redundant.

Exporting Database from Heroku

The pg_dump tool underlies PGBackups, simplifying the export to PostgreSQL systems. Use the pg:push and pg:pull CLI commands for streamlined export or import to external PostgreSQL databases. Utilize pg_dump for creating Heroku Postgres database backups.

Best Practices for Heroku Database Export

Employ psql for importing and exporting tasks on Heroku. Automate these processes with pg:push and pg:pull. Create plain-text database dumps with pg_dump and use pg_restore for loading dumps into a local database. For importing with PGBackups, AWS S3 is recommended for database dump file hosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I export my Heroku Postgres database?

You can export your Heroku Postgres database using the PGBackups tool or the pg_dump tool to create a manual dump. The pg:push and pg:pull commands can also be used to automate the import/export process.

What is the difference between the pg:push/pg:pull commands and the dump and restore method?

The pg:push and pg:pull commands are more convenient for automating the import/export process, while the dump and restore method is recommended when working with a Postgres instance on a local machine.

How do I create a backup of specific schemas or tables from my Heroku database?

Use the pg_dump tool with the --schema or --table options to create backups of specific schemas or tables from your Heroku Postgres database.

How can I restore a Heroku database dump to a local database?

To restore a Heroku database dump to a local database, use the pg_restore tool or the pg:backups restore command if the dump file is accessible via HTTP.

What is the best way to store and import database dumps for Heroku?

The best practice for storing and importing database dumps is to use AWS S3 to store the dump files, and use signed URLs with the pg:backups restore command to import the dump files from AWS S3. Remember to delete the dump file after it has been imported.

Common Use Cases

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  Migrate data from a Heroku-hosted application to another hosting platform
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  Perform regular backups of application data for disaster recovery purposes
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  Analyze application data offline or in a different environment
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  Transfer data between different Heroku applications for testing or consolidation
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  Archive historical application data for compliance and auditing

Why Choose Sourcetable Over Heroku Database Exports

Real-time Data Access: Sourcetable offers a spreadsheet-like interface that enables users to access and query their database information in real-time, bypassing the need for traditional Heroku database exports.

Centralized Data Management: With the ability to connect multiple data sources, Sourcetable serves as a one-stop solution for consolidating data, offering a competitive edge over the Heroku export feature that handles data in isolation.

Efficient Data Manipulation: Sourcetable simplifies the data manipulation process, allowing users to sort, filter, and analyze their data within the platform, which is less straightforward when working with exported files from Heroku.

Streamlined Workflow: By removing the extra steps of exporting and importing data, Sourcetable streamlines workflow, offering a more efficient alternative to the Heroku database export process.

User-friendly Interface: The intuitive, spreadsheet-like interface of Sourcetable is designed for ease of use, making it accessible for users who may find the technicalities of database management challenging.