.dump File — Database Dump File

DUMP files contain exported database data and schema definitions, typically generated by database backup and migration tools. The most common usage is PostgreSQL dumps (created by pg_dump) which can be in plain SQL text format or custom compressed binary format. MySQL dumps (created by mysqldump) generate SQL scripts containing CREATE TABLE statements and INSERT statements that reconstruct the database. The term 'dump' refers to the process of extracting the complete state of a database into a portable file for backup, migration, or replication purposes. SQL-format dumps are human-readable text files containing the SQL commands needed to recreate the database structure and populate it with data. Custom-format dumps (PostgreSQL) use a compressed binary format that supports selective restoration of individual tables, parallel restoration, and reordering of archive items. Database dumps are essential for disaster recovery planning, development environment setup (seeding test data), and migrating between database servers or versions. Best practices include regular automated dumps, testing restoration procedures, and storing dumps in secure, redundant storage. Tools like pg_restore and mysql handle importing dump files back into running database instances.