Difference between WordPress Admin Dashboard Export and Database Plugin Backup

Naiba previously introducedAutomatically backup WordPress websites using pluginsToday, a friend asked about the difference between the SQL file backed up using a plugin and the XML file exported from the WordPress website admin dashboard. In the Tools section of the left sidebar in the WordPress admin dashboard, there is an export function. Through this function, you can export the vast majority of your website's data, such as Posts, Pages, comments, Custom Fields, and entry information.However, if you use a database backup plugin, what is exported is an SQL file. The biggest difference between these two methods is:For the XML exported file, if your website has a large amount of data, there is a high probability of encountering errors and import failure during import. It also does not include Plugin settings information. The SQL exported database file basically does not encounter import issues and contains all the information of your website, including various Plugin settings and Plugin data. Generally speaking, unless you want to thoroughly and cleanly organize your website's database, you might consider using the XML export method for data backup. Otherwise, it is recommended to back up the database.