The Clone Plugin 5.6.7 The Clone Plugin The clone plugin, introduced in MySQL 8.0.17, permits cloning data locally or from a remote MySQL server instance. Cloned data is a physical snapshot of data stored in  InnoDB  that includes schemas, tables, tablespaces, and data dictionary metadata. The cloned data comprises a fully functional data directory, which permits using the clone plugin for MySQL server provisioning. Figure 5.1 Local Cloning Operation Figure 5.2 Remote Cloning Operation A local cloning operation clones data from the MySQL server instance where the cloning operation is initiated to a directory on the same server or node where MySQL server instance runs. 1110