How do you backup software code and data?

1 Why backup?

Backing up your software code and data is not only a good habit, but also a requirement for many projects, especially if you are working with sensitive, confidential, or regulated information. Backups can help you recover from various scenarios, such as hardware failures, software bugs, human errors, malicious attacks, natural disasters, or legal disputes. Backups can also help you preserve the history and evolution of your code and data, as well as facilitate collaboration and testing among different team members and stakeholders.

2 What to backup?

The answer to this question depends on the nature and scope of your project, but generally speaking, you should backup anything that is essential for the functionality, quality, and security of your software code and data. This could include source code files, data files, documentation, version control repositories, and deployment and delivery files. Additionally, scripts, libraries, frameworks, dependencies, configuration files, databases, schemas, queries, reports, specifications, requirements, design, testing artifacts, branches, commits and tags should all be backed up to ensure the software code and data is secure.

3 How often to backup?

The frequency of your backups should match the frequency of your changes and the level of your risk tolerance. For example, if you are working on a fast-paced and dynamic project, you may want to backup your software code and data daily or even more frequently. On the other hand, if you are working on a stable and mature project, you may backup your software code and data weekly or monthly. However, you should always backup your software code and data before and after any major changes, such as updates, releases, migrations, or integrations.

4 Where to backup?

The location of your backups should be secure, accessible, and reliable. You should also consider the size, format, and frequency of your backups, as well as the cost and performance of your backup storage. There are two main types of backup storage: local and remote. Local backup storage refers to storing your backups on your own devices or networks, such as hard drives, flash drives, or servers. Remote backup storage refers to storing your backups on external services or platforms, such as cloud storage, online backup services, or third-party repositories.

5 How to backup?

The method of your backups should be consistent, automated, and verified. You should also consider the type, format, and level of your backups, as well as the recovery and restoration options of your backup tools. There are two main types of backups: full and incremental. Full backups create a complete copy of your software code and data at a given point in time. Incremental backups create a partial copy of your software code and data that only includes the changes since the last backup. Full backups are more comprehensive and reliable, but also more time-consuming and space-consuming. Incremental backups are more efficient and flexible, but also more dependent and complex.

6 What tools to use?

Backups are an important part of software development, as they can safeguard your software code and data from various threats and challenges. Therefore, when selecting backup tools, it's essential to consider their features, functions, and support. Additionally, these tools should be compatible with the software code and data you use, as well as convenient and customizable. There are many tools available for backing up your software code and data, such as version control systems like Git or SVN, database backup tools like MySQLdump or MongoDBdump, online backup services like Dropbox or Google Drive, and backup software like Acronis or EaseUS. By following some basic principles and best practices, you can backup your software code and data effectively and efficiently.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?