What are the two types of backups used in data management?

The two primary types of backups used in data management are full backup and incremental backup.

A full backup entails making a complete copy of all data to ensure that everything can be restored in the event of data loss. This type of backup is comprehensive and serves as the foundation for other types of backups by capturing the entire dataset at a specific point in time.

Incremental backups, on the other hand, save only the data that has changed since the last backup was performed, whether that was a full backup or another incremental backup. This method is efficient in terms of storage and time because it does not duplicate data already secured, allowing for quicker backup processes and less storage space usage.

These two methods work in tandem during a backup strategy, providing a balance between comprehensive coverage of data and efficient use of resources. While differential and mirror backups are also common, they serve different purposes and are typically not paired as a fundamental approach compared to the full and incremental combination.