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What is the difference between Full, Differential, and Log Backups?

Mid MS SQL
Quick Answer Full backup: entire database, self-contained restore point. Differential backup: only pages changed since the last full backup รขโ‚ฌโ€ faster than full, smaller file. Log backup: transaction log since last log backup รขโ‚ฌโ€ enables point-in-time recovery. Together they form a restore chain: full + diff + logs.

Answer

Full: Entire database.

Differential: Changes since last full.

Log: Captures all log records since last log backup.

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