MySQL Administrator :: 12.3.1 Backup Execution Method

The Backup Execution Method affects concurrency within the backup itself.

Lock all tables will cause all tables within the backup to be locked simultaneously to prevent writing. This will prevent users from writing to the tables during the backup operation and will ensure that the tables are in a consistent state. This option is recommended for MyISAM tables.

Single transaction will begin a transaction before reading from the tables. Because of the InnoDB versioning system this will allow all tables to be read in a consistent state. This method is recommended when backing up InnoDB tables.

Normal Backup will lock each table individually when performing the backup. While this can have less impact on the actions of users during the backup operation, these is a potential for tables to be backed up in an inconsistent state in relation to one another. This method is not recommended unless the risk on inconsistency in minimal.