sql - How to back up a postgresql database from within psql?

Question

I am within psql and am wondering if there is a way to backup/restore databases from this command shell. I have read of pg_dump, but that fails with "syntax error at or near pg_dump".

Thanks!

Answer 1

pg_dump is a system command, not a command that you can use from within psql. From within psql you might be looking for something more like 'copy'. You can see it documented here:

http://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/static/sql-copy.html

I'm not a Postgresql expert, but I have found the Postgresql online documentation thorough and professional. I recommend browsing through it if you're planning on using Postgresql to a significant degree.