Differential Backup vs. Incremental Backup

Attribute	Differential Backup	Incremental Backup
Definition	Backs up all changes since the last full backup	Backs up all changes since the last backup, whether it was full or incremental
Backup Size	Increases over time as more changes are made	Generally smaller than a full backup, but can grow larger over time
Restore Time	Generally faster than incremental backup	Slower than differential backup, as it requires multiple backup sets to be restored
Storage Space	Requires more storage space compared to incremental backup	Requires less storage space compared to full backup

Introduction

When it comes to data backup strategies, two common methods are often used: differential backup and incremental backup. Both of these methods have their own unique attributes and advantages, which make them suitable for different scenarios. In this article, we will compare the attributes of differential backup and incremental backup to help you understand which method may be best for your specific needs.

Definition

Differential backup involves copying all the data that has changed since the last full backup. This means that each time a differential backup is performed, it will include all the data that has been modified since the last full backup. On the other hand, incremental backup only copies the data that has changed since the last backup, whether it was a full backup or an incremental backup. This means that each incremental backup will only include the changes made since the last backup, regardless of whether it was a full or incremental backup.

Storage Space

One of the key differences between differential backup and incremental backup is the amount of storage space they require. Since a differential backup includes all the data that has changed since the last full backup, it tends to require more storage space compared to incremental backup. This is because each time a differential backup is performed, it will include all the changes made since the last full backup, which can add up over time. On the other hand, incremental backup only includes the changes made since the last backup, making it more storage-efficient in the long run.

Backup Speed

Another important factor to consider when comparing differential backup and incremental backup is the speed at which the backups can be performed. Since differential backup includes all the changes made since the last full backup, it can take longer to complete compared to incremental backup, especially as the amount of data being backed up increases. On the other hand, incremental backup only includes the changes made since the last backup, which means it can be faster to perform, especially if there have been minimal changes since the last backup.

Restore Process

When it comes to restoring data from backups, the process can also differ between differential backup and incremental backup. With a differential backup, only the full backup and the latest differential backup are needed to restore the data. This means that the restore process can be simpler and faster compared to incremental backup, where each incremental backup since the last full backup needs to be applied in order to restore the data to its latest state. However, incremental backup allows for more granular restores, as you can choose which specific incremental backups to apply during the restore process.

Frequency of Backups

The frequency at which backups are performed can also impact the choice between differential backup and incremental backup. Since differential backup includes all the changes made since the last full backup, it is often recommended to perform full backups more frequently to avoid the differential backups becoming too large. On the other hand, incremental backup only includes the changes made since the last backup, which means that you can perform backups more frequently without worrying about the size of the backups. This can be beneficial for environments where data changes frequently and needs to be backed up regularly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both differential backup and incremental backup have their own unique attributes and advantages, which make them suitable for different scenarios. While differential backup may require more storage space and take longer to perform, it offers a simpler restore process. On the other hand, incremental backup is more storage-efficient and faster to perform, but may require more effort during the restore process. Ultimately, the choice between these two backup methods will depend on your specific needs and requirements, so it is important to consider the attributes of each method carefully before making a decision.