Managing PostgreSQL databases within Docker containers is a standard practice for modern development workflows, ensuring environment consistency and isolation. The core process involves two primary operations: importing data and exporting backups. To import a SQL dump file into a running PostgreSQL container, developers utilize the 'docker cp' command to transfer the file from the host machine to a temporary directory inside the container.

Once the file is present, the standard 'psql' utility restores the data. Conversely, exporting or backing up a database is achieved by executing the 'pg_dump' command directly inside the container using 'docker exec'. This method streams the output back to the host machine, creating a portable SQL file.

These techniques are vital for database migration, disaster recovery, and sharing datasets between team members. By leveraging Docker's CLI tools, developers bypass the need for complex external configurations, streamlining the entire data lifecycle management process.