# SNAPSHOT keyword

SNAPSHOT SQL keyword reference documentation.

This is a *deprecated* syntax to prepare the database for a full backup or a filesystem (disk) snapshot. 
`SNAPSHOT` SQL syntax has been superceded by [`CHECKPOINT` SQL syntax](/docs/query/sql/checkpoint/)

_For a detailed guide backup creation and restoration? Check out our
[Backup and Restore](/docs/operations/backup/) guide!_

## Syntax

```questdb-sql
SNAPSHOT { PREPARE | COMPLETE };
```