Performing an incremental delta database backup
Incremental database backups help reduce backup times, by tracking changes since the most recent backup. For example, a full backup is taken at noon. An incremental delta backup taken at 5:00 PM will include changes from noon to 5:00 PM. Another incremental delta backup taken at 10:00 PM will have changes from 5:00 PM till 10:00 PM. However, an incremental cumulative backup will cover changes from noon till 10:00 PM.
Getting ready
The database has to be in archive logging mode, and tracking database changes has to be enabled. Each of these will require a database restart if they are not set. Allow for downtime to do so. You also need a starting point, so a full database backup is required before proceeding to incremental backups.
How to do it...
If you are starting from a factory-installed database, you have to do steps 1 to 5, in order. Once you are set up for incremental backup, you only need to perform step 5.
Configure the database for archive...
