Backup and Restore Basics - MongoDB

1. Introduction

Backing up and restoring your MongoDB database is crucial for data integrity and recovery in case of data loss or corruption. This lesson will guide you through the basics of backup and restore in MongoDB.

2. Backup Methods

2.1. Mongodump

Mongodump is a utility for creating binary export of the contents of a database. It can be used to back up a specific database or the entire MongoDB instance.

Note: Always ensure that the MongoDB instance is not under heavy load while performing backups.

mongodump --db your_database_name --out /path/to/backup/directory

2.2. MongoDB Atlas Backup

If you're using MongoDB Atlas, automatic backups are provided. You can create snapshots and restore from them using the Atlas UI or API.

2.3. File System Snapshots

File system-level snapshots can also be used if your MongoDB is deployed on a file system that supports snapshots. Ensure your deployment is consistent during this process.

3. Restore Methods

3.1. Mongorestore

The mongorestore utility is used to restore the contents from a dump created by mongodump.

mongorestore --db your_database_name /path/to/backup/directory/your_database_name

3.2. Restore from Atlas

In MongoDB Atlas, you can restore to a specific point in time or to a snapshot through the UI.

4. Best Practices

Perform regular backups based on your data change frequency.
Test your restore process periodically to ensure data recovery is possible.
Store backups in multiple locations (on-site and off-site).
Encrypt your backups to protect sensitive data.
Monitor backup processes and set up alerts for failures.

5. FAQ

What is the difference between mongodump and mongorestore?

mongodump is used to create backups of your database, whereas mongorestore is used to restore the database from those backups.

Can I perform a backup while MongoDB is running?

Yes, you can perform backups while MongoDB is running, but ensure it is not under heavy load to avoid performance issues.

How often should I back up my MongoDB database?

The frequency of backups depends on how often your data changes. A common practice is to back up daily or weekly, depending on your needs.