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What strategy should I use for database migrations in production apps?
Asked on Nov 03, 2025
Answer
Database migrations in production apps should be handled carefully to ensure data integrity and application stability. A common strategy involves using a version-controlled migration tool that can apply incremental changes to the database schema as the application evolves.
Example Concept: Use a migration tool like Room for Android or Core Data for iOS, which provides built-in support for schema migrations. These tools allow you to define migration paths between different versions of your database schema, ensuring that any changes to the database structure are applied safely and predictably when the app is updated. This approach helps maintain backward compatibility and prevents data loss during updates.
Additional Comment:
- Ensure migrations are thoroughly tested in a staging environment before deploying to production.
- Consider using feature flags to control the rollout of new features dependent on database changes.
- Backup the database before applying migrations to safeguard against potential issues.
- Monitor the app for any migration-related errors post-deployment to address issues promptly.
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