PostgreSQL: Backup Best Practices
Tags: postgres, tutorial, beginners, postgressql
Published: 2023-07-24 05:45:04

As, we are well aware data is of utmost value and losing it can be really problematic issue. Hence, in this article we will be discussing the best practices related to data backup and recovery in PostgreSQL.

## Utilize pg_dump:
You can use pg_dump utility for backing up the data. It comes built in most distributions of Postgres. Hence, you do not need any additional installation.
pg_dump is really flexible and fast. In term of flexibility it allows you to have compressed backup or exclude any number of tables while backing up data and it is really fast because it utilizes the multi-processing techniques.
You can use pg_restore for restoring your data to original state.

## Consider pg_dumpall:
pg_dumpall is another utility for the backup. Unlike pg_dump it stores everything including schema of the database. Which allows us to return to our original state at any point. Hence, you even have the structures of your table stored which gives us more control.
In short, if you need complete backup pg_dumpall is a better choice.

## Implement Continuous Archiving and Point-in-Time Recovery (PITR): 
Continuous Archiving allow us to have a possible recovery at every point by ensuring that it archives at each moment. Hence, at any moment if we face data loss we could go back and restore out data.
While PITR ensure the restoration of data at any point in time which is an essential feature in backup and recovery.
When used together, these two feature provides robust backup and disaster recovery system.

## Backup Frequency: 
Try to perform frequent backup because if you perform backup for example once a month or once a week and you lose data near the next backup. You gonna lose data for all these days in between. Hence, performing frequent backup can ensure you lose less amount of data incase of an unfortunate event. For example, if you backup daily, you only gonna lose few hours worth of data.
Also, try to have multiple backup files. Incase one becomes corrupt, you do not lose all your data.

## Store backups securely:
Try to store your backups at the safe place and different place than your database because if you are saving your backup on the same server as your database, incase of the crash. you are going to lose both of them.
Hence, try to have backups stored at different safe locations. You could also store at multiple locations.
 
## Regularly test backups: 
Also, once in a while try restoring your backups to ensure they work properly. otherwise you gonna get nasty surprise incase you have been storing data for months or years and that file does not works or becomes corrupt or some reasons.

## Backup WAL files: 
Do not forget to back up Write-Ahead Log (WAL) files as they are really crucial for facilitating database restoration to a consistent state.

## Safeguard the PostgreSQL configuration file:
Backup the PostgreSQL configuration file along with the rest of the database because it contains all the information needed to work properly. It also contains information related to database and the user allowed to access the database.
Without this file, it's not possible for the database to work properly. Hence, backing up that file is really crucial.

## Avoid using DROP DATABASE:
Be cautious when using the DROP DATABASE command, as it permanently deletes all data and makes the recovery impossible. Hence, try using DROP TABLE, it will delete table and it's data while retaining the database structure which will make restoration possible.

By following these best practices, it is possible to ensure the safety and availability of your PostgreSQL database.
it will minimize the risk of data loss and will enable efficient recovery in case of any unforeseen event.