convex-migrations

Safely evolving a Convex database schema without downtime requires implementing specific migration patterns, such as making fields optional first, backfilling data, and then enforcing constraints. This ensures data integrity during application updates.

Backfilling data in a Convex table involves a strategy where you first add the new field as optional, run a migration to populate existing records, and finally update the schema to make the field required. This guarantees no records are left invalid.

Handling index and type changes in a Convex database is managed through a robust migration runner pattern. This approach allows complex schema evolutions to be applied safely in a serverless environment lacking traditional migration tools.

Traditional migration tools are not used with a Convex serverless database. Instead, you need to implement specific schema evolution strategies and a migration runner pattern to handle adding, removing, or renaming fields safely.

Zero-downtime schema migration in a serverless backend works by applying incremental changes: adding optional fields, backfilling existing data, and enforcing new constraints progressively. This prevents service interruptions during database updates.

You should use a migration runner pattern for Convex database changes when dealing with complex schema evolutions like adding, backfilling, and removing fields, or handling index and type changes that require strict data integrity.