Database backup and restoration

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    1. Database backup and restoration

Overview

Database backup and restoration are critical components of any robust server infrastructure, especially for content-rich platforms like those powered by MediaWiki. MediaWiki relies heavily on a database – typically MySQL/MariaDB or PostgreSQL – to store all its content, revisions, user information, and configuration settings. A failure in the database can lead to complete data loss, rendering the wiki unusable. Therefore, a well-defined and regularly tested backup and restoration strategy is paramount. This article details the best practices for ensuring the integrity and recoverability of your MediaWiki database, focusing on techniques applicable when utilizing a dedicated server or a robust VPS solution. We will cover different backup methods, restoration procedures, and considerations for maintaining data consistency. Understanding these processes is vital for any system administrator or site owner responsible for a MediaWiki instance. This article outlines the importance of regular "Database backup and restoration" procedures. Without these procedures, your entire wiki is at risk. This guide assumes a basic understanding of Linux Server Administration and database concepts.

Specifications

The tools and techniques used for database backup and restoration will vary depending on the database system in use. The following table summarizes the commonly used tools and their associated specifications for both MySQL/MariaDB and PostgreSQL.

Database System Backup Tool Specifications Restoration Tool Restoration Specifications
MySQL/MariaDB mysqldump Command-line utility. Requires appropriate user privileges. Supports various options for filtering data and optimizing backup size. Can be compressed using gzip or other compression algorithms. Backups can be incremental, but full backups are recommended for simplicity. Requires sufficient Disk Space for backup storage. mysql Command-line utility. Requires appropriate user privileges. Can import SQL dumps generated by mysqldump. Restoration speed depends on CPU Performance and disk I/O. Restoration process can be interrupted and resumed.
PostgreSQL pg_dump Command-line utility. Similar to mysqldump, offering various options for customization. Supports both plain-text SQL dumps and custom formats. Can be compressed. Requires sufficient Storage Capacity for backup storage. pg_restore Command-line utility. Used to restore backups created by pg_dump. Supports parallel restoration for improved speed. Can selectively restore specific parts of the database.
Both rsync Useful for incremental backups of database files (for certain configurations). Requires careful planning to ensure data consistency. Less common for full database backups. Manual file restoration (not recommended for complex setups) Requires understanding of database file structure and potential data corruption risks. Should only be used in emergency situations.

The following table details the recommended backup frequency based on the rate of content change.

Content Change Frequency Recommended Backup Frequency Retention Policy
Low (static content) Weekly Keep at least 4 weekly backups.
Moderate (daily updates) Daily Keep at least 7 daily backups and 4 weekly backups.
High (frequent edits, active community) Hourly or more frequent Keep at least 24 hourly backups, 7 daily backups, and 4 weekly backups. Consider using Database Replication for near real-time redundancy.

Finally, this table outlines the hardware considerations for efficient backup and restoration processes.

Hardware Component Specification Impact on Backup/Restoration
CPU Multi-core processor (at least 4 cores) Affects the speed of compression and decompression during backup and restoration.
RAM At least 8GB, 16GB or more recommended for large databases Improves performance by caching database operations during backup and restoration.
Storage SSD storage is highly recommended Significantly reduces backup and restoration times compared to traditional HDDs. Faster Disk I/O is crucial.
Network Gigabit Ethernet or faster Ensures fast transfer of backup files to remote storage locations.

Use Cases

  • **Disaster Recovery:** The primary use case for database backups is disaster recovery. In the event of a hardware failure, data corruption, or security breach, a recent backup allows you to restore the database to a known good state, minimizing downtime.
  • **Software Upgrades:** Before performing a major MediaWiki upgrade or database engine upgrade, it's crucial to create a full database backup. This provides a rollback point in case the upgrade fails or introduces compatibility issues. See MediaWiki Upgrade Guide.
  • **Testing and Development:** Backups can be used to create test environments for development and experimentation. Restoring a backup to a separate server allows you to test changes without affecting the live wiki.
  • **Data Migration:** When migrating a MediaWiki instance to a new server, a database backup is essential for transferring the data.
  • **Accidental Data Loss:** Human error can lead to accidental data deletion or modification. Backups provide a safety net to recover from such mistakes.
  • **Regular Audits:** Backups can be used for auditing purposes, allowing you to track changes to the database over time.

Performance

The performance of database backup and restoration is heavily influenced by several factors:

  • **Database Size:** Larger databases naturally take longer to back up and restore.
  • **Hardware Performance:** As outlined in the specifications table, CPU, RAM, and disk I/O play a significant role. Using an NVMe SSD will dramatically improve performance compared to a traditional hard drive.
  • **Backup Method:** Different backup methods have varying performance characteristics. mysqldump/pg_dump with compression can be slower than raw file copies, but offer better compression ratios.
  • **Network Speed:** When backing up to a remote location, network bandwidth is a limiting factor.
  • **Database Load:** Performing backups during peak hours can negatively impact database performance. Schedule backups during off-peak times.
  • **Compression Level:** Higher compression levels reduce backup size but increase CPU usage and backup time.

To optimize performance:

  • Use SSD storage for both the database and backup storage.
  • Schedule backups during off-peak hours.
  • Experiment with different compression levels to find the optimal balance between size and performance.
  • Consider using parallel restoration techniques (e.g., pg_restore with multiple jobs).
  • Monitor database performance during backups to identify and address any bottlenecks. Server Monitoring Tools are invaluable for this purpose.

Pros and Cons

    • Pros:**
  • **Data Protection:** The most significant benefit is the protection against data loss.
  • **Business Continuity:** Enables quick recovery from disasters, minimizing downtime.
  • **Rollback Capability:** Allows you to revert to a previous state in case of errors or failed upgrades.
  • **Testing and Development:** Facilitates the creation of test environments.
  • **Compliance:** May be required for regulatory compliance.
    • Cons:**
  • **Storage Requirements:** Backups require significant storage space.
  • **Performance Impact:** Backups can temporarily impact database performance.
  • **Complexity:** Setting up and managing a robust backup strategy can be complex.
  • **Cost:** Storage and potentially specialized backup software can incur costs.
  • **Potential for Corruption:** Backup files themselves can become corrupted if not stored properly or if the storage media fails. Regular integrity checks are crucial.

Conclusion

"Database backup and restoration" is a non-negotiable aspect of maintaining a reliable MediaWiki installation. A robust strategy, incorporating regular full backups, frequent incremental backups, and thorough testing of the restoration process, is essential for protecting your valuable data. Choosing the appropriate tools and techniques, considering hardware specifications, and optimizing performance are key to ensuring a successful backup and restoration strategy. Don't underestimate the importance of offsite backups – storing backups in a different physical location protects against site-wide disasters. Regularly review and update your backup strategy to adapt to changing data volumes and system requirements. A well-maintained backup system is an investment in the long-term stability and security of your MediaWiki wiki and the Web Hosting infrastructure that supports it. Failing to plan for database failure is planning to fail. Investing in a reliable backup solution will save you significant time, money, and frustration in the long run. Consider utilizing a professional backup service for added peace of mind.

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