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Restore Points...
Equate arbitrary name with an SCN
- Flashback Database to restore point
Normal restore point
- Flashback target limited by DB_FLASHBACK_RETENTION_TARGET
Guaranteed restore point
- Alternative to duplicate database before major upgrade
- Does not require flashback logging
- Database can hang if no space for flashback logs
Notes:
Restore points give the DBA a convenient method of defining an arbitrary string that is equated to an SCN. The restore point (i.e. the “string”) can be used in a FLASHBACK DATABASE statement.
Normal restore points can be used to flashback database as far back as the DB_FLASHBACK_RETENTION_VALUE (flashback logs older than that can be purged). SELECT ANY DICTIONARY or FLASHBACK ANY TABLE privilege is required to create a normal restore point.
Guaranteed restore points prohibit the database from purging flashback logs needed to flashback the database to that point. CAUTION: If you run out of space in the flash recovery area, the database will hang. Oracle 10g issues an “alert” if reclaimable space is less than 15%. (“Reclaimable” means creating free/available space by deleting obsolete logs, RMAN backup pieces, etc.) Alerts are recorded in the DBA_OUTSTANDING_ALERTS view and, using Enterprise Manager, can easily notify the DBA via email or page. SYSDBA privilege is required to create a guaranteed restore point.
Next, let’s look at an example…