Automatic backup of TestLink MySQL DB

[malik143i]

Hi all,

I was given a task of exploring OpenSource Software testing tools. I
was supposed to find Open Source tools in following category:
1. Bug Tracking Tool
2. Test Management Tool
3. Test Automation Tool

1. Bug Tracking Tool: After exploring lot of opensource tools I
decided to go with BugZilla. I successfully installed and started
using BugZilla in our Organization. Before BugZilla our test team use
send bugs through XL sheets.

2. Test Management Tool: We were writing test cases in XL and it was
taking lot of time in formatting and manintaining a central
repository. My aim was to find a tool to replace this. I explored few
tools and finally I found TestLink as a great tool for test
management. For a test lead this tool is really a great help. I
successfully deployed and configured TestLInk.
I installed XAMPP on Windows XP server then deployed TestLink. Also, I
integrated TestLink with our BugZilla DB.

My next task was to make sure that MySQL database backup is taken care
automatically. I found php sripts to take My SQL DB Backup
automatically at http://www.dagondesign.com/articles/automatic-mysql-backup-script/
I deployed these two files(backup_dbs.php and backup_dbs_config.php)
at htdocs/BackUp
Whever I run this script through the Browser it use to take entire
MySQL DB backup and put it into BackUp directory I specified in
Configuration file(backup_dbs_config.php). There is little
configuration needed which is very easy.

My next worry was to automate this process. I was knowing that on
LINUX we can use CRON for schedule the tasks similarly we can use Task
Scheduler on Windows.
I set the PHP path through(Right Click My Computer>Properties>Advanced
Tab>Environment Variables>Under System Variables select PATH and edit
and add the path of your PHP installation).
Now I created a .bat file to run the backup_dbs.php. This .bat file
had following one line code
php <path for your backup_dbs.php file>

Now I went to Control Panel and scheduled a task to run this .bat file
every day at 5.30PM.

Now my TestLink database Backup is automatically taken and kept in a
separate directory. Now I am ready to give presentation of this tool
(TestLink) to my Manager for approvel.

Thanks and Regards,
Maleekjan.

[Marko Rintamaki]

Hi!

You should check WEBMIN tool if you are using Linux as server platfrom!!. It contains several tools for effective backup system (with cron) http://www.webmin.com. It's open source tool but one of my favourites!

PS. I use it on my NEST Project Platform... http://narsus.wordpress.com