This module allows the admin to perform some maintenance functions to the database, including backing up the site. These functions are:
This a basic optimization of your database. The smaller your tables are, the faster they will be processed. Compacting your tables regurlarly can significantly decrease your page loading time. Use this function regularly.
For easy safe repair. If some of your tables are corrupted, you can use the quick repair. This option will attempt to repair the index file without touching the data file. If the data file contains everything that it should and the delete links point to the correct locations within the data file, this should work and the table will be fixed.
For difficult repair. The extended repair tables option is to be used if the index file is destroyed or contains incorrect information, or if the index file is missing. In this case, it's necessary to create a new index file.
For very difficult repair. You should reach this stage only if the .frm description file has also crashed. That should never happen because the description file isn't changed after the table is created. An .frm file is file automatically created by MySQL to hold the table and columns definitions.
This function resets category counters to correct values. MySQL usually assigns a value for each row in a table. When a row is deleted (i.e. an user), it doesn't recalculate the following number automatically (ie "id"). For example, Peter is 1; Mark is 2 and Timax is 3. If Mark is deleted, Peter is 1 and Timax is still 3. By using the "Reset auto increment", MySQL is going to reorder the table so that Peter is 1; Timax is 2; and so on.
This, however, is a delicate operation so as for everything else, the golden rule applies: do a BACKUP!
This option allows you to backup your whole database, a very useful feature if you can't or don't want to use phpmyadmin. Just select this option, click on execute and then save your .sql file whereever you want on your hard-drive.
The DROP TABLE option allow you to insert or not a DROP TABLE. A drop table removes all table data and table definitions so be careful with this option.
Do a backup as regularly as you can!
Basically, unless you know what you're doing and are confident with MySQL commands, use only the "Compact tables" and "Back up database" (without DROP TABLE) options. If you face problems, seek support from the MAXdev staff and community.
Source: MySQL Reference Manual
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