RMAN provides a set of options for backups:

1- Backup Strategy:

• Whole: This involves taking a backup of all Data Files, including at least one Control File, because all Control Files in the database are original copies.
• Partial: This involves taking a backup of zero or more Data Files or zero or more Tablespaces, and it is also possible to back up a Control File or ignore it.

2- Types of Backup:

• Full: This involves taking a backup of all data blocks during the backup operation.
• Incremental: This involves backing up the data blocks that have changed since some previous incremental backups. Generally, Oracle 10g provides two types of incremental backups:
• 0 Incremental Level: This is a base backup that contains all data blocks in the database and is considered a Full Backup, but it acts as a base point to which you can revert when performing 1 Incremental Level.
• 1 Incremental Level: This is a backup of all data blocks that have changed since the last Incremental Level 0.

3- Backup Modes:

• Offline: This is a backup of the database provided that the database is not open, or in other words, a backup can be made in the Mount state, ensuring that:
• The SCN data file headers match the SCN in the control files.
• This type is also called (Consistent or Cold).
• Online: This is a backup taken while the database is operational and without closing it, also called (Inconsistent or Hot).

4- Forms of Backup:

• Image Copies: These are direct copies of the files and resemble the process of copying files via the operating system. This type of backup is sent only to disk and cannot be sent to tape, facilitating the restore process.
• Backup Sets: This involves taking a backup of one or a group of Data Files or Archive log Files while ignoring empty blocks and potentially compressing blocks to reduce file size, making backup files smaller than Image Copies.

5- Methods to Execute RMAN Commands: First, before discussing the methods for executing RMAN commands, it should be noted that the database user wishing to use RMAN must have SYSDBA privileges as they may need to close and open the database.

The methods for executing RMAN commands are: 1- Stand-alone: This involves executing commands individually in the RMAN editor without starting the code with the word RUN. 2- Job: This must be enclosed in curly braces {} and should begin with the word RUN, executing the commands as a group.

You can also save the code in a File.rcv format and execute it in the RMAN editor.

RMAN TARGET /      @c:\backup.rcv

I executed the file c:\backup.rcv, which contains only the words REPORT SCHEMA, and this command is for displaying the structure of the database.