convex-migration-helper

To add a required field in Convex without downtime, you first add the field as optional, run an internal mutation to backfill existing records with a default value, and then update the schema to make the field required. This ensures data integrity and continuous availability.

Breaking schema changes in a Convex database, such as changing data types or renaming fields, require a staged migration process. This involves dual-writing to both old and new structures, backfilling data via internal mutations, and safely updating the schema definition to prevent data loss.

Data backfilling in Convex schema migrations uses internal mutations to iterate through existing documents and update them to match the new schema structure. This allows you to programmatically manipulate and convert historical data safely before finalizing the schema definition.

Yes, you can rename or split Convex tables without data loss by employing zero-downtime strategies. This involves creating the new table structure, dual-writing new data to both schemas, backfilling historical records, and then switching application reads before removing the old table.

Before executing Convex schema migrations, you need a solid understanding of Convex schema definitions and internal mutations. Familiarity with additive versus breaking changes and zero-downtime data integrity strategies is essential for planning a safe migration.

Changing a data type in Convex requires a multi-step migration because immediate schema enforcement would invalidate existing documents. By using a phased approach with dual-writing and data backfilling, you ensure all existing records are safely converted before enforcing the new type requirements.