> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hex-rays.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hex-rays.com/ida-actions/dumpdatabase.md).

# DumpDatabase

## Description

Dump database to IDC file. This command saves current IDA database into a text file.

You can use it as a safety command:

* to protect your work from disasters
* to migrate information into new database formats of IDA.

This command is used when you want to switch to a new version of IDA. Usually each new version of IDA has its own database format. To create a new format database, you need:

1. to issue the 'Dump...' command for the old database (using old version of IDA). You will get an IDC file containing all information from your old database.
2. to reload your database using new IDA with switch -x.
3. to compile and execute the IDC file with command 'Execute IDC file' (usually F2)

Please note that this command does not save everything to text file. Any information about the local variables will be lost!


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# Agent Instructions
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## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.hex-rays.com/ida-actions/dumpdatabase.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.