Copy a table from one database to another in Postgres

📋 Copy a Table from One Database to Another in Postgres: A Simple Guide

So, you want to copy a table from one database to another in Postgres? Copying data can be a daunting task, but fear not! I'm here to guide you through it in a simple and straightforward way. By the end of this post, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to effortlessly move tables between databases. Let's dive in! 💪

Why Copy a Table?

Copying a table from one database to another can be useful in various scenarios. It helps with data backup, data migration, creating replicas for testing, and so much more. Whatever your reason may be, let's get started!

The Challenge

A fellow developer had a question about copying a table from one database to another in Postgres. Here's what they asked:

🙋 "I am trying to copy an entire table from one database to another in Postgres. Any suggestions?"

Excellent question! Let's break it down and look at the possible solutions.

Solution 1: Using the PSQL Command Line

One way to copy a table is by using the PSQL command-line tool. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Start by logging into the database from where you want to copy the table. You can do this by running the following command:

psql -U your_username -h localhost -d your_source_database

Next, export the table structure and data as an SQL file using the \copy command. For example:

\copy table_name TO 'table_export.sql'

Now, connect to the target database where you want to copy the table:

psql -U your_username -h localhost -d your_target_database

Finally, import the table structure and data from the SQL file using the \i command. For example:

\i table_export.sql

And voila! Your table has now been copied from one database to another using PSQL.

Solution 2: Using SQL Dump and Restore

Another approach is to use the pg_dump and pg_restore commands to dump the table structure and data into a file and then restore it onto the target database. Here's how it works:

Run the following command to export the table structure and data:

pg_dump -U your_username -h localhost -d your_source_database -t table_name -Fc -f table_dump.psql

Next, restore the table onto the target database using the following command:

pg_restore -U your_username -h localhost -d your_target_database -t table_name -C -Fc -v table_dump.psql

And just like that, your table has been successfully copied using SQL dump and restore!

A Call to Action

Now that you know how to copy a table from one database to another in Postgres, it's time to put your newfound skills into practice. Give it a try and let me know how it goes! If you have any questions or face any challenges along the way, feel free to reach out in the comments below.

Happy table copying! 🚀

Copy a table from one database to another in Postgres