Binary Logging
Binary logging is a database feature that records all changes to data (such as INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE operations) and schema modifications in a binary format, creating a log of events for replication, recovery, and auditing purposes. It is commonly implemented in relational database management systems like MySQL and PostgreSQL to enable master-slave replication and point-in-time recovery. The binary log contains a sequence of events that can be replayed to reconstruct database state changes.
Developers should use binary logging when implementing database replication for high availability, scaling read operations, or disaster recovery scenarios, as it allows slave servers to stay synchronized with a master. It is also essential for point-in-time recovery after data corruption or accidental deletions, enabling restoration to a specific transaction. Additionally, binary logging supports auditing and change data capture (CDC) for data integration pipelines.