Several Methods to MySQL Differential Backup [Detailed]

MySQL is one of the most widely used relational data management systems (RDBMS) for web applications and enterprise solutions. To achieve security and integrity of MySQL databases, the use of differential backups can effectively achieve this goal. This article discusses what MySQL differential backup is and how it is implemented.

What is Differential Backup

Differential backups capture all changes made to the database since the last full backup. This is different from both full and incremental backups:

• Full backup: captures the entire database at a specific point in time.
• Incremental backups: capture only changes stored since the last backup of any type (full or incremental).

Why Choose Differential Backup

• Faster backup process than full backups.
• Reduces storage space compared to incremental backups.
• Differential backups require only the last full backup and the latest differential backup to restore the database, making the recovery process faster compared to incremental backups.
• Managing differential backups is simpler than managing a series of incremental backups, reducing the risk of errors during recovery.

How to Implement MySQL Differential Backup

The following provides you with some methods to configure MySQL differential backup.

Method 1. Using Binary Logs

The MySQL binary log records all changes made to the database. You can use these logs to create differential backups.

1. Enable Binary Logging

Ensure binary logging is enabled in your MySQL configuration (my.cnf or my.ini)

2. Perform a Full Backup

Take a full backup of the database using mysqldump:

--flush log: Flushes the binary logs, creating a new log file.

--master-data=2: Records the binary log position in the backup file.

3. Capture Differential Changes

• After the full backup is created, MySQL will write changes to a new binary log file. To create a differential backup, you need:
• Identify the binary log file and position from the full backup.
• Use mysqlbinlog to extract changes since the last full backup:

Replace 123456 with the position from the full backup and mysql-bin.000002 with the appropriate log file.

4. Restore the Backup

• Restore the full backup:

• Apply the differential backup:

Method 2. Using Logical Backup with Timestamps

For a smaller database, you can use mysqldump to create backups of modified tables based on a timestamp column.

1. Take a Full Backup

2. Create a Differential Backup

Extract records modified in the last 24 hours:

3. Restore the Backup

Method 3. Using Percona XtraBackup

If you have large databases, you can use Percona XtraBackup, which is an efficient tool that performs full and differential backups without locking the database.

1. Perform a Full Backup

2. Create a Differential Backup

3. Restore the Backup

Using an Easier Way to MSSQL Differential Backup

To avoid data loss due to forgetting to back up the database in time, you may need to perform differential backup automatically. AOMEI Cyber Backup can help you realize the convenient and error-free method of full/incremental/differential backup of SQL Server database. At the same time, it provides you with a variety of programs designed to keep your data more secure.

While you use AOMEI Cyber Backup, you can enjoy:

• Intuitive Interface and Simple Operation: All important SQL Server backup options are displayed in an intuitive task interface with modifiable task titles for differentiation. Once created, each backup task is listed separately for further operations, such as changing settings and restoring.
• Comprehensive SQL Backup: Backup Microsoft SQL database and all objects, including configuration, commands, clusters, and more.
• Remote Backup Database within LAN: It allows you to backup single or multiple databases remotely while monitoring the network speed and free disk space of those computers to avoid failures.

Backup and Restore SQL Server Differential

Step 1. Access to Source Device > Add Microsoft SQL.

If the database exists and the version is supported, it will appear automatically. Otherwise, you need to click Add Microsoft SQL > Download proxy program and install the program on the device with SQL Server installed.

Then click Already installed proxy and select the proxies you want to add.

Step 2. Click … > Authentication to validate the database instance.

You can choose Windows Authentication or SQL Authentication. Enter the credentials and click Verify.

Step 3. Go to create a differential SQL server database backup as follows:

• Click Backup Task > Create New Task to backup your SQL databases.
• Choose the backup type as Microsoft SQL Backup, and it also provides you with virtual machine backup.
• Enter a name for the backup task, then go to select the databases you want to backup and specify a location as a storage end.
• Select backup methods as full/incremental/differential and specify the backup times as daily/weekly/monthly.

Step 4. After completing the SQL Server backup, click Restore to restore the differential backup in SQL Server.

Conclusion

MySQL differential backups ensure efficient storage usage, balancing storage efficiency with fast recovery. Utilizing the several methods provided in this article will ensure an effective backup strategy. At the same time, regular monitoring and automation will further enhance data security and fast disaster recovery.