Problem:
Performing an incremental backup after a recovery operation can cause issues if a full backup hasn't been taken first. This might result in missing files in subsequent incremental backups.
Cause:
This happens because incremental backups rely on the continuous timeline of WAL (Write-Ahead Log) files. Recovery alters this timeline, causing subsequent incrementals to miss data from the pre-recovery state.
Solution:
To avoid missing files, always take a full backup after any recovery operation or any scenario where the WAL timeline changes. This creates a fresh baseline for future incremental backups, guaranteeing their completeness.
More information:
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Schedule regular full backups: Automate routine full backups at scheduled intervals (daily, weekly, etc.) to minimize the need for recovery and maintain a reliable backup chain.
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Monitor your backups: Regularly review your backup logs and confirm successful completion of both full and incremental backups.
By following these steps, you can restore your PostgreSQL database.