This feature is relevant only when periodic_compaction_seconds is set. If there are files older than periodic_compaction_seconds, RocksDB includes these files in the compaction process to ensure the SST files are updated and not older than periodic_compaction_seconds. Periodic compactions, also known as TTL-based compactions, can occur anytime. They are often considered "low-priority" as they are not immediately essential for RocksDB to function correctly.

Since version 8.9, the off-peak period context allows users to restrict the hours during the day for processing low-priority compactions, preventing them from competing for resources during peak hours.

To enable this feature, set daily_offpeak_time_utc in the HH:mm-HH:mm (00:00-23:59) format. This represents the start and end times (inclusive) of the day in UTC. As part of mutable_db_options, it can be set via the SetDBOptions() API, and a DB restart is not required.

The default value is an empty string, "", indicating no off-peak period.

Please note that when the option changes via the SetDBOptions() API, the DB checks if a compaction needs to be triggered (similar to when max_background_flushes, max_background_compactions options change in flight).

When this feature is enabled, RocksDB pre-processes the periodic compactions during the off-peak period just before the start of the next peak cycle. For instance, if periodic_compaction_seconds is set for 25 days, the files may be compacted during the off-peak hours of the 24th day.