Database Snapshots
Database snapshots are read-only, static views of a database at a specific point in time, capturing its data and schema state. They are created using copy-on-write technology, where only changed data pages are copied from the source database to the snapshot, making them space-efficient. Snapshots are primarily used for reporting, recovery, and testing purposes without affecting the live database.
Developers should use database snapshots when they need consistent, point-in-time data for reporting or auditing, as they provide a stable view without locking the source database. They are also valuable for quick recovery from user errors or data corruption, allowing restoration to a known good state. Additionally, snapshots can be used in development and testing environments to create isolated copies of production data for safe experimentation.