--https://share.google/aimode/3HeQpqCzGd5j6MsOo
Point-in-Time Recovery (PITR) in PostgreSQL lets you restore a database to a precise moment in the past. It combines a physical base backup (snapshot) with continuous Write-Ahead Log (WAL) archiving. During recovery, PostgreSQL replays the WAL transactions up to your chosen target time. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Core Components
- Base Backup: A full physical snapshot of your data cluster directory taken via tools like
pg_basebackup,pgBackRest, orBarman. - WAL Archiving: Continuous copying of transaction log files (
pg_wal) to a secure, separate storage location as changes occur.
Basic Recovery Steps
- Stop the PostgreSQL server process.
- Clear or backup the existing corrupted/current data directory.
- Restore your latest base backup files into the cluster data directory.
- Configure recovery parameters (like
restore_commandandrecovery_target_time). - Create a
recovery.signalfile inside the data directory (PostgreSQL 12+).
For managed cloud databases, such as Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL, PITR is typically managed via automated console options to clone or roll back instances directly. [1]
If you'd like to proceed, tell me:
- Are you using native tools (
pg_basebackup) or a manager like pgBackRest / Barman? - Do you need help writing the
restore_commandor setting arecovery_target_time?