Troubleshooting MySQLDump Error 2013: Lost Connection to Server

Introduction:

MySQLDump is a powerful tool used for creating backups of MySQL or MariaDB databases. However, users often encounter the frustrating "Error 2013: Lost connection to server during query" message, particularly when dealing with large databases. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of this error and provide a practical solution to overcome it.

Understanding Error 2013: Lost Connection to Server:

The error message "Error 2013: Lost connection to server during query" is often accompanied by frustration, especially when dealing with large databases or tables. This error typically occurs during the mysqldump process, causing an interruption and preventing the successful completion of the backup operation. Here is an example 

mysqldump: Error 2013: Lost connection to server during query when dumping table `wp_postmeta` at row: 52682

Root Cause Analysis:

The error is primarily attributed to the default configuration settings, specifically the `max_allowed_packet` variable. The default value may be insufficient when dealing with large datasets, leading to a lost connection during the dump process.

Fixing the Issue:

Fortunately, resolving Error 2013 is a straightforward process. By adjusting the `max_allowed_packet` variable in the MySQL or MariaDB configuration, you can provide mysqldump with the necessary resources to handle larger queries.

Step-by-Step Guide: Adjusting max_allowed_packet:

1. Locate Your MySQL or MariaDB Configuration File:

   Depending on your system, the configuration file may be named my.cnf or my.ini(50-server.cnf for mariadb). Common locations include /etc/mysql/my.cnf or /etc/my.cnf (/etc/mysql/mariadb.conf.d/ for mariadb).

2. Edit the Configuration File:

   Open the configuration file using a text editor. You might need administrative privileges to modify this file. You can use vim or nano as editor.

3. Add the Following Lines Under the [mysqldump] Section:

[mysqldump]
max_allowed_packet=512M

4. Save and Close the Configuration File:

   Ensure that you save the changes and exit the text editor.

5. Restart MySQL or MariaDB:

   Restart the MySQL or MariaDB server to apply the changes to the configuration. You can use the following command.

service mysql restart

Conclusion:

By adjusting the `max_allowed_packet` variable in the MySQL or MariaDB configuration, you can eliminate the mysqldump Error 2013 and ensure a smooth backup process, even with large datasets. This simple yet effective solution enhances the reliability of your database backup procedures and minimizes interruptions during critical operations.

Don't let mysqldump errors disrupt your database management tasks. Implementing this configuration adjustment empowers you to handle large datasets seamlessly, ensuring a hassle-free backup experience.