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Backups

Databasement allows you to create on-demand backups of your databases. Backups are processed asynchronously, so you can continue using the application while they run.

Creating a Backup​

Manual Backup​

  1. Go to Database Servers
  2. Find the server you want to backup
  3. Click Backup
  4. Select the target database (or leave empty for all databases)
  5. Choose a storage volume for the backup
  6. Click Start Backup

The backup will be queued and processed in the background. You can monitor progress on the Snapshots page.

How Backups Work​

When you create a backup, Databasement:

  1. Connects to the database server
  2. Runs the appropriate dump command (mysqldump or pg_dump)
  3. Compresses the output with gzip
  4. Transfers the compressed file to the selected storage volume
  5. Creates a snapshot record with metadata

Backup Commands​

Databasement uses native database tools for reliable backups:

MySQL / MariaDB:

mysqldump --single-transaction --routines --triggers --events database_name

PostgreSQL:

pg_dump --format=plain database_name

Backup Status​

Each backup (snapshot) has a status:

StatusDescription
PendingBackup is queued, waiting to be processed
In ProgressBackup is currently running
CompletedBackup finished successfully
FailedBackup encountered an error

Monitoring Backups​

View all backup jobs on the Snapshots page. You can see:

  • Source server and database
  • Backup timestamp
  • File size
  • Storage volume
  • Status

Failed Backups​

If a backup fails, check:

  1. Database connectivity: Can Databasement still connect to the server?
  2. Disk space: Is there enough space on the storage volume?
  3. Permissions: Does the database user have backup privileges?
  4. Timeout: Large databases may need more time

Failed backup reasons are logged and visible in the snapshot details.

Best Practices​

Before Production Backups​

  1. Test the connection before creating backups
  2. Verify restore by testing a restore to a development server
  3. Monitor disk space on your storage volumes

Backup Sizing​

Compressed backup sizes vary, but as a rough guide:

  • A 1GB database typically compresses to 100-300MB
  • Text-heavy data compresses better than binary data

Security Considerations​

  • Use dedicated backup users with minimal required privileges
  • Store backups in secure, encrypted storage when possible
  • Regularly test your restore process