The module which we use for production deployment and is very useful for us and easy in use has failed in the battle for uniqueness. We agree that Backup and Migrate is more complicated and has more functionality for backup Drupal proj. Here is thread about Drupal MySQL Dump DB discussion and module contributing. However contributing of our module was not successful we will be working to extend Drupal community with our experience.

Recently I faced with a problems using code.google.com service hosting for the open source Drupal module. Errors were that files for download returned 404 `Not Found` error, or new uploaded file could not be downloaded - the old version was returned instead. Thanks to google team it was fixed for now - but the next day it happened again - and the same issue was refixed. Due to such inconvenient habit I'll post a mirror of the Drupal MySQL Dump module here.

Download Drupal MySQL Dump DB module

My test/dev env is located on my local desktop. When I want to add some new features to the web site that is already in production - I develop and add new modules on my dev env. Then I use MySQL DB Dump for easy and fast upgrading my new features to the production server.

Steps are:
1. login as administrator on my dev box, goto the admin section of MySQL DB Dump and select one of three options(full database dump, update database dump, update database dump no content) and press submit - as a result SQL file of the tables (structure and data) is stored in the drupal root directory.

2. Then I perform svn commit - I commit all changed files and update_database_dump.sql as well.

3. I go to my server account using ssh and perform svn update.

4. I run special update_database_dump.sh file which logins into mysql and runs update_database_dump.sql - now I check by url that everything is ok.

Here is the link to the CVS where you can download it:
http://code.google.com/p/drupalmysqldumpdb/

You are trying to make first steps in internet business, starting new ecommerce system or want to introduce yourself by weblog to the huge internet community. You've heard about Drupal and think it will fit all your demands. Don't think that it is true. You need to understand what you want to get as a result - the first stage of the discussion with Drupal developer is the most important - I call it `half of the way to the success`. Good interconnection in the way of dialog between Drupal solution provider and client will bring you to the result you want.
Some tips for those who want to hire Drupal developer.

Here are main keys of successful project:

1. Scope of project should be clearly understood for both sides, the more specific and detailed you are the better result in outcome.

2. Talking about agile style - you as a client will win following such approach - you can change resulted outcome during development.

3. Drupal developers should provide documentation before starting project, document the process and provide documentation after project is finished. It saves client's and service provider time.

4. Documenting of the testing process and showing results of the tests to the client - must have.

5. See #1 - detailed documenting of the project scope and responsibilities.

Here is a good article, written in good manner for hiring Drupal developer.
http://www.topnotchthemes.com/book/export/html/147

This is the first entry in the Web Development Blog. Articles on blog will highlight Drupal development, PHP programming, Python Web Frameworks, YUI library.