Back up your database — and actually test the restore - shippingszn launch readiness

An automatic, recent copy of your entire database stored somewhere safe — and the ability to restore from it without panicking. Most managed databases (Neon, Supabase, Replit DB, RDS, PlanetScale) include some form of backup, but defaults vary, and 'a backup exists' is not the same thing as 'a backup that works.'

Sooner or later you, your AI builder, or a script will run the wrong query against the production database. Without a tested backup, your only options are 'rebuild from memory' and 'apologize to users in public.' With one, it's a 10-minute fix. The whole point of doing this BEFORE launch is that nobody is depending on the data yet — so testing the restore is free.

Owner verification required: The scanner can detect a docs/RECOVER.md (covered by extended internal-audit checks) but cannot confirm the documented procedure has been tested against a real restore. Owner must run the drill once before launch.

The Launch Fix Kit keeps scan-specific findings, file and line evidence, AI-builder punch-list tasks, and verification steps tied to the paid report.

Open your database's dashboard (Neon, Supabase, Replit, etc.) and find the Backups or Point-in-time Recovery section. Confirm automatic backups are on, and note how many days you can restore back.
Actually do a test restore — to a clone, not your real database. Most providers let you spin up a copy from a backup in one click. Do it once before launch so you know how.
Before any production schema migration — adding/dropping columns, renaming tables, changing constraints — take a fresh point-in-time snapshot first. 30 seconds of clicking now beats 6 hours of manually reconstructing data at midnight when the migration eats a column it shouldn't have. Make this a habit, not a launch-day-only thing.
Set yourself a calendar reminder for a weekly manual export (most ORMs and DBs have a one-line dump command), saved somewhere you control (object storage, your laptop). Defense in depth.
Write a one-page note (DISASTER_RECOVERY.md) for future-you: where backups live, exact steps to restore, who to call. Put it next to your code.

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Canonical URL: https://shippingszn.com/i/backups/