DevOps
Postgresql backup strategies
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Introduction
In this article, we discuss PostgreSQL backup strategies and focus on backing up specific databases and tables.
Backup a Database
Command:
pg_dump -U <username> -d <database_name> -f backup.sql
When to use: In the case of logical backups that need to restore other PostgreSQL instances, this command needs to be used.
Backup Only Specific Table
Command:
pg_dump -U <username> -d <database_name> -t <table_name> -f table_backup.sql
When to use: This command is used when a specific table needs to be preserved and transmitted or relocated.
Backup the Data as a SQL File
Command:
pg_dump -U <username> -d <database_name> -F c -f backup.dump
When to use: CSV type files are stored in a readable format. This command is used when a human-readable file or a CSV needs to be created.
\COPY <table_name> TO 'backup.csv' WITH CSV HEADER;
When to use: This command is used to take backups of large databases faster. The dump can only be restored using PostgreSQL tools.
Backup All Databases
Command:
pg_dumpall -U <username> -f all_databases_backup.sql
When to use: This command needs to be used when there is a need for a logical backup of all databases associated with the PostgreSQL instance.
Schedule Automatic Backups Using Cron Jobs
Use cron jobs for periodic backups:
0 2 * * * pg_dump -U <username> -d <database_name> -f /path/to/backup/backup_$(date +\%Y\%m\%d).sql
When to employ: This ensures regular backups.
Restore Backups
- For SQL files:
psql -U <username> -d <database_name> -f backup.sql
- For binary dumps:
pg_restore -U <username> -d <database_name> -F c backup.dump
Encrypt and Protect Backups
Use GPG encryption for backups:
gpg -c backup.sqlWhen to Use Which Backup Format
- CSV: Choose when the data needs to be analyzed or moved to other systems more so than being worked with (e.g., given to people who are not used to technology).
- SQL: Great format for logical backups that are easy to restore and migrate to another PostgreSQL instance.
- Dump: Suitable for large databases, at the expense of time taken to restore and available storage.
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