How do you handle database migration between platforms, and what steps do you take to minimize downtime and avoid data loss during the transition?

Database migrations across platforms should be well-planned to minimize downtime and data losses.

I start by evaluating the current status of the database: structure, size, and interdependence with other system components that deliver a very detailed migration plan.

I understand that any major minimization of downtime, for which I adopt a phase migration approach wherein the non-vital components are moved first. In this regard, it could be assisted by techniques such as data replication to keep the new system updated during the transition period as a seamless switch-over.

I also implement data integrity verification at each step of the migration process to make sure what gets migrated and checked is accurate, correct, and released to the system live. I will create rollback procedures, should there be an issue, which will allow us to revert immediately to the old system.