Neo4j Backup & Restore
Introduction
Backup and restore are critical operations in database management, ensuring data safety and recovery in case of failures. In Neo4j, there are several strategies for backing up the database to prevent data loss.
Backup Methods
1. Online Backup
Online backups allow you to back up the database while it is running, ensuring minimal downtime.
Steps to Perform an Online Backup
- Ensure that the Neo4j database is running.
- Use the following command to initiate the backup:
- Verify the backup completion by checking the logs.
neo4j-admin backup --backup-dir= --database=2. Cold Backup
A cold backup involves shutting down the Neo4j database to ensure data integrity.
Steps to Perform a Cold Backup
- Stop the Neo4j service.
- Copy the database directory to your backup location:
- Restart the Neo4j service.
cp -r /var/lib/neo4j/data/databases/ Restore Methods
Restoring from Backup
To restore a database from a backup, choose the appropriate method based on how the backup was created.
Online Restore Steps
- Ensure Neo4j is not running.
- Use the following command to restore:
- Start the Neo4j service.
neo4j-admin restore --from= --database=Best Practices
Tip: Schedule regular backups and automate the backup process to ensure data is always protected.
- Always test your backups by restoring them.
- Keep multiple backup copies in different locations.
- Monitor your backup process for failures.
- Document your backup and restore procedures.
FAQ
What is the difference between online and cold backup?
Online backup allows you to back up while the database is running, whereas cold backup requires the database to be stopped.
How often should I back up my Neo4j database?
It depends on your data change frequency; however, daily backups are generally recommended for production databases.
Can I restore a database to a different version of Neo4j?
Restoring to a different version may cause compatibility issues. Always restore to the same or compatible version.