Mysql backup strategy

I was wondering whats the best way to backup MySQL (v5.1.x) data -

• creating mysql data dir archive
• use mysqldump

What are the pro/cons for the above? I am guessing mysqldump has some performance impact on a live database. How much impact are we talking about?

We plan to take a backup every few hours, lets say 4 hrs. Whats the best practice around MySQL backups or database ba开发者_StackOverflow社区ckups in general.

I think that the best way is using mysqldump.

Normally I create a cron task to run in a time of little traffic, it generate a dump naming with a timestamp_databasename_enviroment.sql, so it verify if there are old backups and compact it.

I think that is a good form to do database backups.

If your data size is huge then its better to use

• MySQL enterprise backup tools.it takes online backup and it will not impact live services.

• xtraback is also like MySQL enterprise backup from percona .