location of mysql database files

[nix4me]

Where are the mysql database files located? I would like to find my tables so I can have my backup program back them up for me. I know i can export them from mysql, but i would prefer a simple file copy for backup purposes.

nix4me

[nix4me]

Ok, i figured it out. Instead of copying the files in /var/lib/mysql, i found the command mysqldump. When added to my backup script, this command dumps my database perfectly. Hope this helps others.

man mysqldump will help with the options.

nix4me

[tone77]

you can also checkout MySQL hotcopy at http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.0/en/mysqlhotcopy.html