title: CouchDB backups and cloning the database
body: <p>We're looking at CouchdDB for a CMS-ish application. What are some common patterns, best practices and workflow advice surrounding backing up our production database?</p>
  
  <p>I'm particularly interested in the process of cloning the database for use in development and testing.</p>
  
  <p>Is it sufficient to just copy the files on disk out from under a live running instance? Can you clone database data between two live running instances?</p>
  
  <p>Advice and description of the techniques you use will be greatly appreciated.</p>