From 58f32b92fcb03fe7e274800574864795f5bf8632 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Patrick Birch <48594400+patrickbirch@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:40:19 -0500 Subject: [PATCH] PXB-3604 [DOCS] - Update xtrabackup-binary-overview 8.4 modified: docs/xbcloud-binary-overview.md modified: docs/xtrabackup-binary-overview.md --- docs/xbcloud-binary-overview.md | 2 +- docs/xtrabackup-binary-overview.md | 87 +++++++++++++++++++++++++----- 2 files changed, 75 insertions(+), 14 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/xbcloud-binary-overview.md b/docs/xbcloud-binary-overview.md index 902cd45b3..622805573 100644 --- a/docs/xbcloud-binary-overview.md +++ b/docs/xbcloud-binary-overview.md @@ -376,4 +376,4 @@ Now that you understand the basics of xbcloud, here are the recommended next ste 5. **Test your setup** - Start with a simple full backup using the examples in the [Usage](#usage) section -For troubleshooting and additional help, see the [Troubleshoot](troubleshoot.md) section or contact [Percona support](get-help.md). \ No newline at end of file +For troubleshooting and additional help, see the [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting) section or contact [Percona support](get-help.md). diff --git a/docs/xtrabackup-binary-overview.md b/docs/xtrabackup-binary-overview.md index f55816d4d..105b4f2df 100644 --- a/docs/xtrabackup-binary-overview.md +++ b/docs/xtrabackup-binary-overview.md @@ -1,18 +1,79 @@ -# The xtrabackup binary overview +# Overview of the xtrabackup binary -The *xtrabackup* binary is a compiled C program that is linked with the *InnoDB* -libraries and the standard *MySQL* client libraries. +The xtrabackup binary compiles in C and connects directly to InnoDB libraries and standard MySQL client libraries. The tool performs point-in-time backups for InnoDB and XtraDB tables and captures schema definitions, MyISAM tables, and other server components. -*xtrabackup* enables point-in-time backups of *InnoDB* / *XtraDB* tables -together with the schema definitions, *MyISAM* tables, and other portions of the -server. +The InnoDB libraries apply logs to data files and preserve data consistency during the backup process. The MySQL client libraries parse command-line options and configuration files and simplify user interaction. -The *InnoDB* libraries provide the functionality to apply a log to data -files. The *MySQL* client libraries are used to parse command-line options and -configuration file. +The xtrabackup binary runs in three modes: -The tool runs in either `--backup` or `--prepare` mode, -corresponding to the two main functions it performs. There are several -variations on these functions to accomplish different tasks, and there is one -less commonly used mode, `--print-param`. +* Backup mode captures data and logs +* Prepare mode applies logs to create a consistent snapshot + +* Print-param mode displays internal parameters and supports debugging and configuration validation + +Beginner DevOps users benefit from the tool’s automation and reliability, while seasoned DBAs leverage its precision and flexibility to manage complex backup strategies across production environments. + +## Key features + +* Hot backups enable backup operations without locking the database and allow uninterrupted access + +* Incremental backups capture only changes since the last backup and reduce time and storage requirements + +* Compression reduces backup file size and accelerates transfer speeds + +* Encryption secures backup data and protects sensitive information during storage and transmission + +## Benefits + +* Data integrity supports point-in-time recovery and minimizes the risk of data loss + +* Broad compatibility backs up both InnoDB and MyISAM tables and includes schema definitions + +* Streamlined recovery simplifies the restoration process and reduces downtime during critical events + +## Use cases + +* Production backups support live environments that require consistent, non-disruptive backup strategies. DevOps teams schedule hot backups during peak hours to avoid downtime, while DBAs monitor performance and validate backup integrity + +* Disaster recovery enables rapid restoration after hardware failures, data corruption, or security breaches. Teams use xtrabackup to maintain offsite replicas or cloud-based archives that reduce recovery time objectives + +* Development and testing provides clean, restorable datasets for staging environments. Developers reset databases to known states for testing schema changes, debugging, or validating migrations + +* Cloud migration simplifies the transfer of large datasets between on-premises and cloud platforms. Administrators use xtrabackup to create consistent snapshots and restore them across different infrastructure layers + +* Compliance auditing preserves historical data states for regulatory reviews. Organizations retain encrypted backups to meet retention policies and demonstrate data governance practices + +## Security considerations + +* File protection requires strong encryption during backup creation and secure storage afterward. Administrators configure encryption keys and enforce access controls to prevent unauthorized access + +* Access management defines roles and permissions for backup operations. Only authorized users should initiate backups, restore data, or access archived files + +* Data masking removes or obfuscates sensitive fields before exporting backups for non-production use. DevOps teams sanitize personally identifiable information to comply with privacy regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA + +* Transport security ensures encrypted transmission of backup files over networks. Teams use secure protocols like SCP, SFTP, or HTTPS to prevent interception during transfer + +* Key rotation and storage maintains encryption hygiene. Organizations rotate keys regularly and store them in secure vaults or hardware security modules to reduce exposure risks + +## Community contributions + +Users engage with the Percona community to share tips, ask questions, and exchange experiences. The Percona Forum provides a space for discussion and collaboration: [https://forums.percona.com/c/mysql-mariadb/percona-xtrabackup/10](https://forums.percona.com/c/mysql-mariadb/percona-xtrabackup/10) + +## Limitations + +* Learning curve challenges new users with a wide range of options and modes. DevOps teams benefit from guided documentation and community support to accelerate onboarding + +* Resource consumption affects system performance during backup operations, especially on large datasets. DBAs monitor system load and schedule backups during low-traffic periods to minimize impact + +* Library dependencies introduce potential issues when InnoDB or MySQL client libraries encounter problems. Teams validate library versions and test compatibility before deployment + +## Additional resources + +Explore the following sections for more guidance: + +* Configuration options appear on the configure xtrabackup page: [configure-xtrabackup.md](configure-xtrabackup.md) + +* Command-line options: A comprehensive list of command-line options is available on the xtrabackup option reference page: [xtrabackup-option-reference.html](xtrabackup-option-reference.html) + +* Implementation details: Review technical insights and architecture on the xtrabackup implementation details page: [xtrabackup-implementation-details.md](xtrabackup-implementation-details.md)