SQL Database
SQL Backup DB
The SQL BACKUP DATABASE Statement
An existing SQL database can be completely backed up using the BACKUP DATABASE statement in SQL Server.
Syntax
BACKUP DATABASE databasename
TO DISK = 'filepath';
The SQL BACKUP WITH DIFFERENTIAL Statement
Only the database’s modified sections are backed up via a differential backup, which is different from a full database backup.
Syntax
BACKUP DATABASE databasename
TO DISK = 'filepath'
WITH DIFFERENTIAL;
BACKUP DATABASE Example
A complete backup of the current database “testDB” is created to the D drive using the SQL query that follows:
Example
BACKUP DATABASE testDB
TO DISK = 'D:\backups\testDB.bak';
Advice: Make sure to regularly backup your database to a drive other than the one you use for it. This way, in the event of a disk crash, your backup file and the database will not be lost.
BACKUP WITH DIFFERENTIAL Example
The database “testDB” is differentially backed up using the SQL query that follows:
Example
BACKUP DATABASE testDB
TO DISK = 'D:\backups\testDB.bak'
WITH DIFFERENTIAL;
A differential backup shortens the backup duration because it only backs up the modifications.
