> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mariadb.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/administrative-sql-statements/backup-commands.md).

# BACKUP Statements

{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/lYACLCnxzkI1lZCsj8wa" %}
[BACKUP LOCK](/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/administrative-sql-statements/backup-commands/backup-lock.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}
Protect table files during backups. This command blocks DDL operations like ALTER TABLE while allowing read/write activity, ensuring file consistency for backup tools.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/x319YEDesnPS5ukHIrWv" %}
[BACKUP STAGE](/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/administrative-sql-statements/backup-commands/backup-stage.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}
Control backup phases for external tools. Learn how to cycle through stages like START, BLOCK\_DDL, and BLOCK\_COMMIT to perform consistent backups with minimal locking.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/aDnyqUe3NMpD6tHxe0aZ" %}
[Storage Snapshots and BACKUP STAGE Statements](/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/administrative-sql-statements/backup-commands/storage-snapshots-and-backup-stage-commands.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}
Combine database commands with storage-level snapshots. Learn the correct sequence of BACKUP STAGE commands to freeze writes safely while taking a disk snapshot.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}