SQL Server Interview Question #187

What is a full database backup?

Security, Backup, Recovery, Administration & Real-World Scenarios Senior Advanced

Detailed Explanation

A full database backup contains enough database data to restore the database to the point at which that backup completes, together with the log information needed to make the backup transactionally consistent.

A full backup establishes a base for differential backups. A production recovery strategy usually combines full backups with other backup types according to recovery objectives rather than relying on full backups alone.

Code Example

BACKUP DATABASE SalesDb
TO DISK = 'D:\SqlBackups\SalesDb_Full.bak'
WITH CHECKSUM, COMPRESSION;