[lug] mysqldump versus snapshot versus..

[dio2002 at indra.com]

i'm trying to find the best method to backup my mysql databases.

1) mysqldump - it's quick and easy and works well on the restore side.
2) i've heard about lvm snapshots but have not read enough on them.
3) straight backup the mysql db directories in the filesystem.
4) other?

i would think using technique number 3 really requires a shutdown of the
db while copying the files to make consistent backups.  i've been using
technique number 1 mysqldump withOUT halting the db and all examples i see
online never halt the db either.  that leaves technique 2 lvm snapshots. 
yet i recall reading somewhere that although they're advertised as "live"
(meaning you don't have to stop your db) that that is a bunch of crap and
you actually should.

so does anybody know the answer to the question, do you need to quiess
(know i didn't spell that right :-)) your mysql db when doing a backup,
using either msyqldump, snapshots or otherwise?

anybody have a preferred bombproof method or cron script for automating
mysql backups?

thanks