# BACKUP Statements

- [BACKUP LOCK](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/administrative-sql-statements/backup-commands/backup-lock.md): Protect table files during backups. This command blocks DDL operations like ALTER TABLE while allowing read/write activity, ensuring file consistency for backup tools.
- [BACKUP STAGE](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/administrative-sql-statements/backup-commands/backup-stage.md): 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.
- [Storage Snapshots and BACKUP STAGE Statements](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/administrative-sql-statements/backup-commands/storage-snapshots-and-backup-stage-commands.md): Combine database commands with storage-level snapshots. Learn the correct sequence of BACKUP STAGE commands to freeze writes safely while taking a disk snapshot.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://mariadb.com/docs/server/reference/sql-statements/administrative-sql-statements/backup-commands.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.