SQL statements equivalent to pg_dump - Mailing list pgsql-novice

Hi,

I'm trying to create an adhoc backup feature inside an application using PHP.

I could perform a pg_dump using the shell, but is there SQL statements that could do the same thing without having to use PHP to go to shell and then having to change users to root, postgres, etc. just to make a dump? I'm hoping to minimize security risks.

Thanks in advance.

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Jason Tan Boon Teck