Backup and Restore Glossary ​

backup bundle

All of the artifacts that are stored in a physical backup of a single database.

backup chain

A logical name for a sequence of backups that are chained together. Typically, one database has one chain.

backup point

A logical name for a point in time when a backup was taken, similar to a "snapshot."

backup set

All of the artifacts that are stored in a physical backup of a single database. Also known as a backup bundle.

backup snapshot

A logical name for a point in time when a backup was taken. Also known as a backup point.

cumulative backup

A backup that consists of all changes to the database since the last full or cumulative backup. (Also known as a differential backup.)

full backup

A backup of the entire database.

hot-standby database

A database that is primed for incremental restore operations but also available for reads (queries).

incremental backup

A backup that consists of all changes to the database since the last backup of any kind.

incremental restore

A restore operation that uses one or more incremental or cumulative backups as its restore point. Restore operations work from a restore sequence that starts with a full backup. An incremental restore applies a subsequent set of changes to the restored database. A restored database must remain in HOT_STANDBY mode to be eligible for additional incremental restore operations.

read-only database

A database that has been locked down for read operations only.

replication

Creation and maintenance of database replicas for disaster recovery, typically on remote systems.

restore point

A specific point in time that a database is restored to, given a sequence of backups.

restore sequence

A sequence of restore operations, as needed to replay changes saved in a series of backups.

snapshot

A point in time for a database that captures its exact state as of its last committed transaction. Snapshots provide valid backup and restore points.

Parent topic:Overview