Connecting FTP to MySQL: 3 Easy Methods

This article aims at providing you with a step-by-step guide to help you set up a connection of FTP (File Transfer Protocol) to MySQL with ease to help you transfer your data to MySQL for a fruitful analysis securely.

Upon a complete walkthrough of the content, you’ll be able to connect FTP Server to MySQL Server easily. It will further help you build a customized ETL pipeline for your organization.

Through this article, you will get a deep understanding of the tools and techniques & thus, it will help you hone your skills further.

Introduction to FTP

File Transfer Protocol commonly known as FTP is a network protocol to transfer files between computers. The client-server model is used to build this protocol.

FTP can be used for performing different operations but mainly it is used to send (known as put) and receive (known as get). FTP is a robust and fast network protocol that allows large file transfers based on a client-server model.

Features like Block Storage, Storage Area Networks, NAS, etc can be used to optimize file transfer and storage strategies. Also, check out FTP S3 data integration.

Introduction to MySQL

MySQL is an open-source Database Management System (DBMS) that uses Structured Query Language (SQL). It is a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). 

SQL is the most popular language for accessing, managing, and adding content to a Database. Along with many features, including its proven reliability over time, quick data processing & flexibility to use. Also, it is an essential part of any PHP application, including WordPress, Drupal, Joomla & others. 

Prerequisites

You will have a much easier time understanding the ways to set up the FTP to MySQL connection if you have gone through the following aspects:

• Working knowledge of FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
• Working knowledge of MySQL.
• A MySQL Database.
• A MySQL account.

Methods to Set Up the Connection of FTP to MySQL

This article delves into various methods that can be utilized to set up the FTP to MySQL connection. You will also see some of the pros and cons of these approaches and will be able to pick the best method based on your use case. Below are the 3 methods:

Method 1: Connecting FTP to MySQL using Hevo’s No-code Data Pipeline

Hevo, a No-code Data Pipeline, helps you transfer data from FTP (among 150+ sources) to MySQL & lets you visualize it using a BI tool. Hevo is fully managed and completely automates the process of not only loading data from your desired source but also enriching the data and transforming it into an analysis-ready form without having to write a single line of code.

Its fault-tolerant architecture ensures that your FTP data is handled in a secure, consistent manner with zero data loss.

Furthermore, Hevo supports data replication every 5 mins thus ensuring near real-time data for analysis and insights.

Hevo provides a consistent & reliable solution to manage your FTP data in real-time and always have analysis-ready data in your desired destination.

It allows you to focus on crucial business needs and perform insightful analysis using various BI tools such as Power BI, Tableau, etc. 

Steps to use Hevo

Hevo focuses on 2 simple steps to get you started:

• Configure Source: Connect Hevo with your FTP Server by providing a unique name for your pipeline along with information about the type of server you want to connect with. You will further need to provide your credentials such as username and password to allow Hevo access to it, along with details about the associated port and host values. You can also specify the type of file you’ll want to transfer, choosing between XML, JSON, and CSV. In case you want to connect using SSH, you can also enable the option for the same.

• Integrate Data: Load data from FTP Server to MySQL by providing a unique name for your destination along with your database credentials such as username and password. To help Hevo connect with your MySQL database, you will also have to provide information such as the host IP, port number, and the name & schema of your database.

Check out what makes Hevo amazing:

• Wide Range of Connectors – Instantly connect and read data from 150+ sources including SaaS apps and databases, and precisely control pipeline schedules down to the minute.
• In-built Transformations – Format your data on the fly with Hevo’s preload transformations using either the drag-and-drop interface or our nifty Python interface. Generate analysis-ready data in your warehouse using Hevo’s Postload Transformation.
• Near Real-Time Replication – Get access to near real-time replication for all database sources with log-based replication. For SaaS applications, near real-time replication is subject to API limits.
• Auto-Schema Management – Correcting improper schema after the data is loaded into your warehouse is challenging. Hevo automatically maps source schema with the destination warehouse so you don’t face the pain of schema errors.
• Transparent Pricing – Say goodbye to complex and hidden pricing models. Hevo’s Transparent Pricing brings complete visibility to your ELT spending. Choose a plan based on your business needs. Stay in control with spend alerts and configurable credit limits for unforeseen spikes in the data flow.
• 24×7 Customer Support – With Hevo, you get more than just a platform; you get a partner for your pipelines. Discover peace with round-the-clock “Live Chat” within the platform. Moreover, you get 24×7 support even during the 14-day free trial.
• Security – Discover peace with end-to-end encryption and compliance with all major security certifications including HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC-2.

Get started for Free with Hevo!

Method 2: Connecting FTP to MySQL using phpMyAdmin

The following 2 steps need to be carried out under this method to connect FTP to MySQL using phpMyAdmin:

• Step 1: Exporting Data from MySQL through FTP
• Step 2: Importing Data from MySQL through FTP

Step 1: Exporting Data from MySQL through FTP

Exporting data from MySQL is an important methodology & FTP provides the main functionality in performing this task. To carry out this, the following steps need to be followed:

• Connect to your database using phpMyAdmin. If you want further details about it, please go through the official documentation. 
• In phpMyAdmin, on the left-hand side, one can see the databases.

• The next step is to click on the Export button present on the top menu to export the selected database.

• As you click on the Export button, it will ask you to select the export methodology. Select Custom – display all possible options.

• Next, it will ask you to select the file format in which you want to get the data saved, i.e., SQL, CSV, XLS, etc.  For now, we can choose the default option, i.e. SQL. For further export types, you can read through the official documentation.

• Next, you can select the files that need to be exported.

• Next, the Object Creation options can be selected according to the choice.

• You could change the name if needed. If Not, you can click on Go. As a result, database content can be exported into .sql format to your local computer.

Step 2: Importing Data from MySQL through FTP

Just like exporting data from MySQL with the help of FTP, importing data is also an important feature. 

To import data from MySQL through FTP, follow these steps:

• In case the database is not being created, it needs to be created. For more detail, please have a look at the official documentation. 
• Click on Import from the top menu.

• Click on the Choose File button from Browse Computer Section. 
• Browse your local database file and click open. You would need to unzip files if they are zipped. 
• Once done. Click on the go button and wait while the complete database gets imported. 
• Once it is completed, a success message will pop on the screen. 

Limitations of using phpMyAdmin to Connect FTP to MySQL

Some of the limitations of using phpMyAdmin to connect FTP to MySQL include:

• Requires significant time investment and technical knowledge to implement.
• Potential errors with manual implementation could lead to data loss.
• The lack of an update process could lead to incompatibility in the long run.

Method 3: Connecting FTP to MySQL using Command-Line

This methodology is a very efficient methodology that works for all database sizes including very large ones as well. For this methodology, one must be able to log into your server with SSH [Secure Shell]. For further details, you can go through this documentation. 

The following 2 steps need to be carried out under this method to connect FTP to MySQL using Command-Line:

• Step 1: Transferring Data from MySQL to FTP
• Step 2: Transferring Data from FTP to MySQL

Step 1: Transferring Data from MySQL to FTP

First, log into your server (MySQL) via SSH. 

Next, navigate to a directory using cd command where the user has to write access.

Example:          

cd /var/www/vhosts/demo.com/httpdocs

Export the data from MySQL to FTP by executing the following command:

mysqldump -u admin -p`cat /etc/psa/.psa.shadow` dbname > backup_dbname.sql

• -u is the name of a database user which could be ‘admin’ in most cases. 
• dbname is the name of the database one is trying to export. 
• Backup_dbname.sql is the name one wants to give to backup files. 

Once the above-mentioned command is executed, you will be asked for your database password. After entering the password, the database will start exporting.

Once the data import is complete, the resulting SQL file can be downloaded. Now, connect to the server with FTP using Quick Connect, and navigate to the directory where you want to download it.

Please note to remove the SQL file from the public directory, if it has been created there. Otherwise, anyone would be able to download it from the web. 

The error you might get:

Got Error: 1045: Access denied for user 'admin@abc.com' (using password: YES) when trying to connect

This means the password entered is wrong. You would need to retype it carefully, or it can be reset in the AccountCenter. 

Step 2: Transferring Data from FTP to MySQL

• Using FTP, upload SQL files to MySQL. It can be uploaded to a default FTP directory.  
• Log into your server using SSH.
• Using the cd command, navigate to the directory where the backup file is uploaded. If it is uploaded to the public httpdocs directory, go here:

cd /var/www/vhosts/abc.com/path_to_file

Import the database by executing the following command:

mysql -u admin -p`cat /etc/psa/.psa.shadow` dbname < backup_dbname.sql

Once the above-mentioned command is executed, you will be asked for your database password. After entering the password, the database will start importing. When completed you would return to the command prompt. 

Please note to remove the SQL file from the public directory, if it has been created there. Otherwise, anyone would be able to download it from the web. 

The error you might get:

Got Error: 1045: Access denied for user 'admin@example.com' (using password: YES) when trying to connect

This means the password entered is wrong. You would need to retype it carefully, or it can be reset in the AccountCenter. 

Limitations of using Command-Line to Connect FTP to MySQL

Some of the limitations of using Command-Line to connect FTP to MySQL include:

• Requires significant time investment and technical knowledge to implement.
• Requires good working knowledge of Command-Line Interface.
• Potential errors with manual implementation could lead to data loss.
• The lack of an update process could lead to incompatibility in the long run.

Use Hevo’s no-code data pipeline to seamlessly ETL your data from FTP and other multiple sources to MySQL in an automated way. Try our 14-day full feature access free trial!

Get Started with Hevo for Free!

Conclusion

This article teaches you how to set up a connection of FTP to MySQL with ease. It provides in-depth knowledge about the concepts behind every step to help you understand and implement them efficiently.

These methods, however, can be challenging, especially for a beginner.

The first 2 methods involve manual efforts using significant engineering bandwidth and require knowledge of the AWS environment. For someone to quickly create a load job from FTP to MySQL without going in deep into AWS configurations and other details, an ETL tool like Hevo, which can accomplish this in a matter of clicks, is a better alternative.

Hevo provides an Automated No-code Data Pipeline that empowers you to overcome the above-mentioned limitations.

You can leverage Hevo to seamlessly transfer data from FTP to MySQL in real-time without writing a single line of code. Hevo’s Data Pipeline enriches your data and manages the transfer process in a fully automated and secure manner.

Hevo caters to 150+ data sources (including 50+ free sources) and can directly transfer data to Data Warehouses, Business Intelligence Tools, or any other destination of your choice hassle-free. It will make your life easier and make data migration hassle-free.

Learn more about Hevo

Share your experience of setting up the connection of FTP to MySQL in the comments section below!