# `Cold` Backups

+ Take place while the data is inaccessible to users
  + Typically the server is shut down entirely during a cold backup
  + You cannot read or write to the data while the backup takes place
+ Do not interfere with the performance of the system when it is up and running
  + Locks out or completely blocks user access to data for an extended period of time
  + It is not acceptable for some applications
+ In `TiDB`, **`cold`** backup is **NOT** recommended and it can be completely avoided
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Cold backup generally means the copy operation issued from the operating system, such as `cp` command.

Take place while the data is inaccessible to users
- Typically the server is in an inaccessible mode or shut down entirely during a cold backup.
- You cannot read or make any modifications to the data while the backup takes place.

Do not interfere with the performance of the system when it is up and running
- However, having to lock out or completely block user access to data for an extended period of time is not acceptable for some applications.