What exactly is a backup? What do file and database backups look like in practice for WordPress, and why does this topic matter so much? Let’s take a close look at how to back up WordPress properly and what creating a backup actually involves.
What is a backup?
Before we explain how to create a backup, we need to clarify what one actually is. A backup is a copy of files and a database. It allows you to restore a site to the same state it was in at the moment the backup was made.
Reasons it’s worth backing up your site
Having a backup protects you against the unpleasant consequences of data loss or damage. Everyone should take care of backups, since data loss can occur due to various situations, such as theft or intentional damage. Sometimes data loss is caused by hardware failure or human error, and that’s exactly where a backup comes to the rescue. Data backup is insurance against unfortunate incidents involving your files and database.
Backup and security
A WordPress backup is your safety net. If you want to be sure your infrastructure will keep functioning properly, in addition to data backup it’s worth investing in server administration, which continuously monitors, updates, and maintains the servers your website relies on. This eliminates the risk of failures that could otherwise lead to data loss or damage. Still, backup is a form of insurance that shouldn’t be skipped when taking care of server administration.
How do you back up WordPress?
You can create a backup manually or purchase this service from your hosting provider. Manually creating a database backup will require installing the right programs or plugins that make it easy to manage the database. Once you’ve installed the right programs, you just need to log in and configure the backup to save to a dedicated physical server or to the cloud.
For plugins, you can use some of the more popular options available on the market: UpdraftPlus or BackWPup. These plugins let you automatically save backups to the cloud using popular services such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Storing backups in the cloud is reliable and makes it easy to transfer data to a computer or file to verify that the backup was generated correctly.
Which elements should be backed up
When creating a backup, it’s worth paying attention to which elements it should include. A WordPress backup should cover, above all:
- WordPress installation files
- site templates
- installed plugins
- media, such as images and video
- JavaScript code
- PHP scripts
- individually added code files
- page files
When should you back up?
How often you should create a backup depends on the type of site. For sites with constant changes, a backup may be needed every few hours. An example here would be a news service that refreshes content continuously, with every post rated and commented on by users. If you run a business, it’s worth creating backups regularly, especially before making changes. Keep in mind that updates can also lead to data loss, which is why it’s worth backing up every element of your site before this process.
Restoring a WordPress backup
Restoring a data backup depends on the method used to create it. If you purchase data backup together with your hosting provider, you should get access to a complete copy of your resources. This process should be simplified to a minimum, letting you easily return to the content of your site from the moment the backup was created.
Summary
A site backup can be created in various ways. WordPress, a popular CMS, lets you create them yourself or hand the task over to specialists who will take care of it. A WordPress backup can save your site from more than one piece of malware or attack, so it’s worth protecting yourself by keeping a backup of your site’s data.