I've done many importing exporting data from our databases.
Yes I've done CSV, but there is limitation. I noticed CSV doesn't support complicated special characters, asian characters.. etc.
I always keep monitorning my fields if are Unicode or UTF-8
If you are experienced with XMLs,
I recommend using XML import using this:
http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.5/en/load-xml.html
You can do same with CSV:
http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.5/en/load-data.html
When Exporting small amounts of data for the sake of "presenting" to your bosses, I would use EXCEL export using PHPmyadmin or "Mysql Browser" tool.
Reverse, You can also use EXCEL to import into PHPmyAdmin
*If dumping large data just use the commandline, (sql format)
*If you have full control with database, you can just copy the RAW data (MyIsam only, it's portable) XDDD
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/23/2011 01:48AM by d batz.