# Migration Prerequisites: Source Steps - Preparing the On-Premises Database

__*Preparing the On-Premises Database*__

+ Prepare the database as per your migration approach.
+ Perform a data dump export or back up data on local storage.
+ Transfer the data to `TiDB Cloud`.

![`right`](MigrationPreSource_en_001_20230609.png)

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Migration prerequisites can be classified into source and target steps.
The high-level source steps are shown in this slide. Some migration approaches require the databases to be put in read only mode.
Note: These migration approaches will be discussed in detail in subsequent lessons.