Step-by-Step Guide to Point-in-Time Recovery in MariaDB Using MariaBackup

  Implementing Point-in-Time Recovery (PITR) in MariaDB using MariaBackup involves creating backups and binary logs that allow you to restore the database to a specific point in time. This process is crucial for recovering from data corruption or loss. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Regularly Backup Your Database

  • Full Backup: Regularly perform a full backup of your database using MariaBackup. The command might look like: 
    mariabackup --backup --target-dir=/path/to/backup --user=username --password=password

2. Enable Binary Logging

  • Ensure binary logging is enabled in your MariaDB configuration (my.cnf or my.ini file): 
    [mysqld]
log_bin
server_id = 1
  • Binary logs record all changes to the database, which are necessary for PITR.

3. Periodic Incremental Backups (Optional)

  • Incremental Backup: For minimizing data loss, consider taking incremental backups between full backups. 
    mariabackup --backup --target-dir=/path/to/inc_backup --incremental-basedir=/path/to/last_full_or_inc_backup --user=username --password=password

4. Recording Binary Log Position

  • When you perform a full backup, note the binary log position. MariaBackup outputs this information at the end of the backup process. This is crucial for PITR.

5. Restore the Full Backup

  • In case of a failure, first, restore the full backup: 
    mariabackup --prepare --target-dir=/path/to/backup
mariabackup --copy-back --target-dir=/path/to/backup
  • Ensure MariaDB server is stopped during the restore and the data directory is empty.

6. Apply Incremental Backups (If Any)

  • If you have incremental backups, apply them in sequence after restoring the full backup: 
    mariabackup --prepare --target-dir=/path/to/full_backup --incremental-dir=/path/to/inc_backup

7. Perform Point-in-Time Recovery Using Binary Logs

  • Once the full (and incremental) backups are restored, use the mysqlbinlog tool to apply the binary logs up to the desired point in time.
  • Apply the binary logs in sequence starting from the log file noted during the full backup: 
    mysqlbinlog --start-position=START_POSITION binlog.000001 | mysql -u username -p
  • Continue applying subsequent binary log files. If you know the exact point in time, use the -stop-datetime option in mysqlbinlog.

8. Restart the MariaDB Server

  • After applying the necessary binary logs, restart the MariaDB server.

9. Verify Data Integrity

  • Verify the integrity and consistency of your data after the PITR process.

Conclusion

Point-in-Time Recovery in MariaDB using MariaBackup is a process of regular backups, binary log management, and careful restoration. It is essential for disaster recovery planning, allowing you to restore data up to a specific moment before a catastrophic event. Regular testing of your backup and recovery process is crucial to ensure data integrity and minimize potential downtime.