In plain English
Posts, pages, users, comments, settings and plugin data all live in the database. Files, images, themes and plugins live on the filesystem.
That split matters for backups. A database backup without the files is not a restorable site, and neither is the reverse.
What to know
Holds content and settings
Not files.
Files live separately
Uploads, themes, plugins.
Both needed for recovery
Database plus files.
Accumulates bloat
Revisions, transients, orphaned plugin data.
Why it matters
Understanding the split explains most failed restores. It also explains why a site can be moved by copying two things rather than reinstalling everything.
Common mistakes
×Backing up the database only.
×Never clearing post revisions on content-heavy sites.
×Editing the database directly with no backup.
×Assuming uninstalling a plugin removes its data.
FAQs
What is in the database and what is in files?
Content and settings in the database; images, themes and plugins in files.
Why is my database so large?
Usually revisions, transients and abandoned plugin tables.
WRITTEN BY TARIQ SALLAM
Marketing Consultant. Entrepreneur. Content Creator.
I'm a marketing consultant, entrepreneur and content creator. I help businesses grow through practical marketing, websites, SEO, content and AI.
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