When it comes to backing up your SQL Server databases, full database backups are the most comprehensive option. They include all of the data, objects, tables, rows, functions, stored procedures, and more. In other words, if something exists in the database at the time of the backup, it will be included in the backup.

It’s important to note that for a transaction to be included in the backup, it must be committed. This means that any changes made to the database during the backup process that are not committed will not be included in the backup. While this may seem like a rare occurrence, it’s essential to understand the potential implications.

During a full database backup, there are two main phases: the data reading portion and the log writing portion. The data reading portion reads the data from the database, while the log writing portion writes the transaction log to the backup file. The log writing portion takes a physical amount of time, and if a transaction is completed during this time, the changes made in that transaction will not be included in the backup.

For example, let’s say the data writing portion of the backup takes a few minutes, and a transaction is completed in the last minute of the process. In this scenario, someone might mistakenly assume that the transaction is included in the backup since it was completed before the timestamp on the backup file. However, because the transaction was not committed when the data reading portion of the backup completed, it will not be included in the restored database.

While the chances of encountering this issue are small, it’s crucial to ensure that your backups are transactionally consistent. To achieve this, it is recommended to use the native SQL Server backup process or a backup tool that respects transactions, such as SQL Backup Pro.

It’s worth noting that determining the transactionally consistent time of a backup can be a complex task. If you have the expertise to map the last Log Sequence Number (LSN) written in the backup to a specific time, it may be possible to figure out the transactionally consistent time. However, this process is not straightforward and requires in-depth knowledge of SQL Server internals.

In conclusion, full database backups in SQL Server provide a comprehensive backup solution that includes all the necessary data and objects. However, it’s essential to ensure that your backups are transactionally consistent to avoid any potential data loss. Stick to the native SQL Server backup process or a reliable backup tool that respects transactions to ensure the integrity of your backups.

Thank you for reading!