Difference between Hot Backup and Cold Backup in Oracle Databases

Hot Backup in Oracle databases involves taking a backup of the database while it is running and remains accessible to users. This type of backup ensures that the system is continuously available during the backup process, allowing for minimal downtime.

Cold Backup, on the other hand, requires the database to be shut down before taking a backup. This ensures that the data is in a consistent state at the time of backup, but it also means that the database is unavailable to users during the backup process.

While hot backups are more convenient and do not disrupt normal operations, cold backups are preferred for ensuring data integrity and consistency. It is essential to choose the appropriate backup method based on the specific requirements of the Oracle database and the recovery objectives.