It certainly can’t begin anything complex such as a backup job run without a database.
An operation that uses the database upgrades the database before use (as was said).
Possibly it could do an export because that info is in server database, not the backup.
There are probably other things one could do with a job (maybe delete it?) with no DB.
Chasing down all things that don’t need the DB is pointless because it doesn’t matter.
This being a user forum, there are probably many questions that nobody can answer.
Developers don’t know all things either, and there’s no lack of work they’re needed for.
If the previous request for information from “Settings” and “System info” still fits, please supply that, e.g.
* ServerVersion : 2.0.4.22
* ServerVersionName : - 2.0.4.22_canary_2019-06-30
* ServerVersionType : Canary
* StartedBy : Tray icon
* BaseVersionName : 2.0.4.22_canary_2019-06-30
* DefaultUpdateChannel : Canary
(mine isn’t very interesting at the moment, but the BaseVersion and the current ServerVersion may differ)
Ideally, reproduce the issue. In any event, please note if you have ever used Beta or Beta channel recently prior to the unwanted notification. AFAIK you’re only supposed to get notifications per your channel setting.
Detailing your exact history may also help. Notifications appear to be persisted in the server database, so possibly a stale one was shown again when it should have been purged, e.g. at time of channel changing.
There does not appear to be any widespread issue, because there are no other reports of this happening.