documentation/content/administration/neutralized_database.md

# Neutralized database

A neutralized database is a non-production database on which several parameters are deactivated.
This enables one to carry out tests without the risk of launching specific automated processes that
could impact production data (e.g., sending emails to customers). Live access is removed and
turned into a testing environment.

:::{note}
**Any testing database created is a neutralized database:**

- testing backup databases
- duplicate databases
- for Odoo.sh: staging and development databases
:::

:::{important}
A database can also be neutralized when upgrading, as it is vital to do some tests before
switching to a new version.
:::

## Deactivated features

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the deactivated features:

- all planned actions (e.g., automatic invoicing of subscriptions, mass mailing, etc.)
- outgoing emails
- bank synchronization
- payment providers
- delivery methods
- {abbr}`IAP (In-App Purchase)` tokens
- website visibility (prevent search engines from indexing your site)

:::{note}
**A red banner at the top of the screen is displayed on the neutralized database so that it can
be seen immediately.**
:::