# Monitor MySQL backups (mysqldump) with HookPulse

End the mysqldump line in the crontab with one curl. HookPulse alerts you when the nightly dump stops or fails.

HookPulse · Updated 2026-10-14

## Step 1. Create the monitor

Add a routine named mysql-backup and set how often the job runs. Its page shows the check-in URL: use it in place of https://hookpulse.net/in/YOUR_ID.

## Step 2. Add the check-in to the dump line

--single-transaction dumps InnoDB tables without locking them. --result-file writes the dump without a shell pipe, so $? is the exit status of mysqldump. Keep the password in ~/.my.cnf, not on the command line.

```sh
# m h dom mon dow  command
0 3 * * * mysqldump --single-transaction --routines --result-file=/backups/app-$(date +\%F).sql app; curl -fsS -m 10 --retry 3 "https://hookpulse.net/in/YOUR_ID/$?"
```

## Step 3. Run it once

Run mysqldump once by hand with the same options. The routine shows the first check-in. From then on, a missed or failed run sends the alert.

[Create the monitor](https://hookpulse.net/?routine=mysql-backup&every=86400#routines)

[Monitor MySQL backups (mysqldump) with HookPulse](https://hookpulse.net/guides/mysql-backup)