Incremental vs Differential backup

 Incremental Backup:

• Definition:

  • Backs up only the files that have changed since the last backup (whether it was a full or an incremental backup).   

• Analogy: Imagine taking a photo of your room every day. An incremental backup would only capture the changes made since the previous photo.

• Pros:

  • Fast: Very quick to perform as it only deals with the latest changes.   

  • Space-efficient: Requires minimal storage space as it only backs up the smallest amount of data.   

• Cons:

  • Slowest recovery: Requires restoring the full backup and then all subsequent incremental backups in the correct order.

  • Risk of chain breakage: If any incremental backup in the chain is corrupted or missing, it can disrupt the entire recovery process. 

Differential Backup:

• Definition:

  • Backs up all files that have changed since the last full backup.

• Analogy: Imagine taking a photo of your room every day, but each photo captures all the changes since the initial photo of the room.

• Pros:

  • Faster recovery: Only requires the last full backup and the most recent differential backup for restoration.   

• Cons:

  • Larger backup size: Each differential backup includes all changes since the last full backup, leading to larger backup files over time.   

  • Slower backup process: Takes longer to complete as it backs up all changes since the last full backup.   

In Summary

• Incremental: Faster backups, smaller storage space, slower recovery.

• Differential: Faster recovery, larger backup size, slower backups.

The best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities:

• Prioritize speed and storage: Choose incremental backups.

• Prioritize fast recovery: Choose differential backups.

Many backup systems offer the flexibility to use both incremental and differential backups as part of their overall backup strategy.