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In the ever-evolving digital world, handling complex databases is a common task for developers. SQL Server Database Snapshot plays a significant role in this task by providing point-in-time read-only views of an entire database. These snapshots allow developers to safeguard their data by creating quick backups before implementing changes in their production environment. Today, we’ll walk you through a few simple commands to create such snapshots, providing aid in necessary undo scenarios.
What is a Database Snapshot?
A database snapshot is essentially a read-only, static view of a SQL server database. It’s a point-in-time view that provides you the ability to safeguard your important data. It’s created instantly, maintaining its performance, and doesn’t consume much space.
Creating a Database Snapshot
To create a SQL server database snapshot, you need to have permissions to create a database. The following standard T-SQL command shows how to create a snapshot:
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CREATE DATABASE YourDB_Snapshot ON ( NAME=YourDB, FILENAME='D:\YourDB_Snapshots\YourDB_Snapshot.ss' ) AS SNAPSHOT OF YourDB; |
In the above code, ‘YourDB_Snapshot’ is the snapshot’s name, ‘YourDB’ is the original database’s name, and the ‘FILENAME’ is the name and location of the snapshot file.
Reverting to a Database Snapshot
If something goes wrong and you need to revert to a previous state, you can use a snapshot. You have to make sure there is no active connection to your database before reverting back. The following command shows how to revert back to a snapshot:
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USE master; ALTER DATABASE YourDB SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE; RESTORE DATABASE YourDB FROM DATABASE_SNAPSHOT = 'YourDB_Snapshot'; |
This code first switches to the master database, next it sets the database ‘YourDB’ to single-user mode and rolls back any pending transactions. The last step is to restore the database from the snapshot ‘YourDB_Snapshot’.
Conclusion
Database snapshots are an essential tool for SQL Server administrators to maintain data integrity during updates or changes. Being a lightweight, quick, and space-efficient backup option, utilizing snapshots effectively can prove beneficial for any organization dealing with large databases.