Database Backup and Recovery Concepts

To back up your database means to make copies of your data files, control file, and archived redo log files (if your database runs in ARCHIVELOG mode). Restoring a database means copying the physical files that comprise the database from a backup medium, typically disk or tape, to their original or to new locations. Database recovery is the process of updating database files restored from a backup with the changes made to the database after the backup, typically using online redo log files.

This section contains the following topics:

• Consistent and Inconsistent Backups

• Media Recovery

• Fast Recovery Area

• RMAN Repository