RMAN - "Full" backup versus "Incremental level=0"
I'm a little confused with RMAN terminology. Can someone help me out here.
1) In what scenario would a DBA initiate a "Full" backup versus doing an "full incremental level 0" backup? I don't see why a DBA would ever kick off the former. Might as well do a "level 0" instead everytime, right?
2) Below are the definitions of "Full" and "Incremental" backups from the TRM. Now what is a "Whole" database backup (referred to in the below 'Note')?! Per my understanding - full, whole, and incremental only backup used data blocks in the datafiles.
Thanks, Anand
Here are the definitions from the TRM.
Backup Type : Definition
1) Full :
A backup that is not incremental. A full backup includes all used data blocks in the datafiles. Full backups of control files and archived logs always include all blocks in the files.
Note: A full backup is different from a whole database backup, which is a backup of all datafiles and the current control file.
2) Incremental
A backup of datafiles that includes only the blocks that have changed since a previous incremental backup. Incremental backups require a full or incremental level 0 backup to serve as a basis.
Re: RMAN - "Full" backup versus "Incremental level=0"
Quote:
Originally posted by Axr2
1) In what scenario would a DBA initiate a "Full" backup versus doing an "full incremental level 0" backup? I don't see why a DBA would ever kick off the former. Might as well do a "level 0" instead everytime, right?
Functionally they are the same thing. However, if you are implementing an incremental backup strategy, a "Full" backup can't be used as a baseline.
Quote:
2) Below are the definitions of "Full" and "Incremental" backups from the TRM. Now what is a "Whole" database backup (referred to in the below 'Note')?! Per my understanding - full, whole, and incremental only backup used data blocks in the datafiles.
Kinda yes, kinda no. RMAN backs up blocks that have been used regardless of whether they are empty or not. RMAN won't backup blocks that have never been used.
Not familiar with what the difference between a Whole backup and a Full backup are.