How are incremental backups characterized?

Incremental backups are characterized by their ability to capture only the changes made to the data since the last backup. This means that with each incremental backup, a set of files is created to store daily transaction changes, capturing only what has been added or altered since the most recent backup, whether that was another incremental or a full backup. This approach is efficient in terms of storage space and time, as it avoids duplicating data that has not changed since the last backup, allowing for quicker backup processes.

This method stands out in environments where data is frequently updated, as it ensures that recovery points are closely spaced, enabling more precise recovery of data. Incremental backups are typically part of a broader backup strategy that includes full and differential backups, but they specifically focus on changes rather than encompassing the entire dataset.