From: Joshua D. Drake <jd@commandprompt.com>
To: Robert Haas <robertmhaas@gmail.com>
Cc: pgsql-hackers <pgsql-hackers@postgresql.org>
Subject: Re: Changes to backup.sgml
Date: Fri, 15 May 2015 11:06:29 -0700
Message-ID: <555635A5.2070200@commandprompt.com> (raw)
In-Reply-To: <CA+Tgmob91VkJMkB2wtZfChk5Tp-D1Oba3htLFKB5cH3J_HTM2g@mail.gmail.com>
References: <5554D2ED.2090602@commandprompt.com>
<CA+Tgmob91VkJMkB2wtZfChk5Tp-D1Oba3htLFKB5cH3J_HTM2g@mail.gmail.com>
List-Unsubscribe: <mailto:majordomo@postgresql.org?body=unsub%20pgsql-hackers>
On 05/15/2015 10:03 AM, Robert Haas wrote:
>
> On Thu, May 14, 2015 at 12:53 PM, Joshua D. Drake <jd@commandprompt.com> wrote:
>> 1. File System Level Backup
>>
>> The section should be a note within the larger document. It is largely a
>> legacy section from before 8.3.
>
> I agree. I think this section is just plain weird at this point.
> Most people would assume that you can copy or move the database files
> when the database server is shut down, but few people would consider
> that a usable backup strategy. I'm not sure exactly how this should
> be refactored, but I think something should be done. Maybe the title
> should be something like "Moving or Copying Database Files" instead of
> "File System Level Backup", and the content could be adjusted to fit
> that theme.
>
In looking at this further, we really need to think about this in a
different light.
The first page needs to immediately mention we don't need to take the
database offline for a backup.
24.1. SQL Dump
I think we should remove any references to redirection and use only
appropriate flags instead. Any admin worth their salt will realize you
can use redirection and those who aren't worth their salt are just going
to be confused. For example:
Instead of
pg_dump dbname > file
use
pg_dump -d dbname -f dbname.sql
I also think we really need to encourage the use of -Fd or -Fc
24.1.1. Restoring the Dump
In conjunction with my suggestions for SQL Dump, I think we need to
focus on using pg_restore. In short, -Fd and -Fc get precedence
(although we will discuss the sql dump) and thus pg_restore will also
get precedence.
24.1.2. Using pg_dumpall
We need to give larger precedence to pg_dumpall for the sake of
globals. I also recommend that we eliminate referencing pg_dumpall as
the way to backup the cluster, (except for small databases) and instead
focus on the required -g option.
24.1.3. Handling Large Databases
The idea of a "large" database is completely different now from then.
This reads almost identical to what it said in 8.0.
24.2. File System Level Backup
We already discussed this
24.3. Continuous Archiving and Point-in-Time Recovery (PITR)
List robocopy (available since server 2003)
24.3.1. Setting Up WAL Archiving
24.3.2. Making a Base Backup
Better discussion of pg_basebackup needs to be had.
24.3.3. Making a Base Backup Using the Low Level API
Already discussed this
24.3.4. Recovering Using a Continuous Archive Backup
"Remove any files present in pg_xlog/; these came from the file system
backup and are therefore probably obsolete rather than current. If you
didn't archive pg_xlog/ at all, then recreate it with proper
permissions, being careful to ensure that you re-establish it as a
symbolic link if you had it set up that way before."
Is that actually needed? Won't PostgreSQL just ignore them or spit them out?
24.3.5. Timelines
I need to read through this again
24.3.6. Tips and Examples
I will probably add some to this.
24.3.7. Caveats
--
Command Prompt, Inc. - http://www.commandprompt.com/ 503-667-4564
PostgreSQL Centered full stack support, consulting and development.
Announcing "I'm offended" is basically telling the world you can't
control your own emotions, so everyone else should do it for you.
--
Sent via pgsql-hackers mailing list (pgsql-hackers@postgresql.org)
To make changes to your subscription:
http://www.postgresql.org/mailpref/pgsql-hackers
Reply instructions:
You may reply publicly to this message via plain-text email
using any one of the following methods:
* Reply to all the recipients using the --to and --cc options:
reply via email
To: pgsql-hackers@postgresql.org
Cc: jd@commandprompt.com, robertmhaas@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Changes to backup.sgml
In-Reply-To: <555635A5.2070200@commandprompt.com>
* Save the following mbox file, import it into your mail client,
and reply-to-all from there: mbox
This inbox is served by DDX for PostgreSQL; see mirroring instructions
for how to clone and mirror all data and code used for this inbox