Incremental Backup

Incremental backup is a data backup strategy that only saves changes made since the last backup, whether full or incremental. It reduces storage space and time by copying only new or modified files, making it efficient for frequent backups. This method relies on a chain of backups, where each incremental backup depends on previous ones for a complete restore.

Also known as: Inc Backup, Delta Backup, Partial Backup, Change-based Backup, Incremental

Why learn Incremental Backup?

Developers should use incremental backup for systems requiring frequent, low-impact backups, such as databases, version control repositories, or production servers, to minimize downtime and storage costs. It's ideal when data changes are small relative to the total dataset, enabling quick backup cycles and efficient resource usage in DevOps and IT operations.

Learning Resources

• docs: Incremental Backup Explained
• tutorial: Backup Strategies Tutorial
• video: Incremental vs. Differential Backup
• course: Data Backup and Recovery Course