Best way to import MySql data ? (2 replies)

Hi everybody,
I have a MySQL Server and currently, i backup my data in several SQL files (one for each database), with export function provided in MySQL Server.
But i wonder why i don't export my data only by copying files from data folder (to another, of course ...) present in MySQL Server directory ?

So what is the best way to backup data ?
I think obviously that export function in MySQL Server is not useless.

Thanks.

BENOIT J.