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Democracy Routes Democracy Routes Docs

Backups

What To Back Up

  • Main app SQLite database volume.
  • Uploaded files.
  • Meeting recordings.
  • Transcription hub database.
  • Event hub data if operational audit history matters.
  • The root .env file, stored securely outside Git.

Before Migrations

Always back up before database migrations.

For SQLite, use SQLite’s backup mode rather than copying a hot database file when possible.

Terminal window
sqlite3 /path/to/dev.db ".backup '/safe/backup/path/dev-before-change.db'"
sha256sum /safe/backup/path/dev-before-change.db > /safe/backup/path/dev-before-change.db.sha256
sqlite3 /safe/backup/path/dev-before-change.db 'pragma quick_check;'

Restore Practice

A backup is only useful if it can be restored. Periodically test restoration on a separate host or local copy.

Secrets

Back up .env securely. Losing encryption secrets can make stored encrypted keys unusable.