Which statement is true about a whole consistent database backup on a database running in ARCHIVELOG mode?

Question

Exhibit

Options

• AThe backup will consist of used data blocks only.
• BThe database must be shut down to accomplish the backup.
• CThe backup can be accomplished without shutting down the database.
• DThe backup will contain all database files that have never been backed up.

• A
  2% (1)
• B
  89% (49)
• C
  4% (2)
• D
  5% (3)

Explanation

A 'whole consistent database backup' means all datafiles are captured at the same system change number (SCN), so the backup is self-consistent and can be restored without applying any redo or archive logs. To achieve this consistency, the database must be shut down cleanly (a 'cold' or 'offline' backup), because only a clean shutdown guarantees that all datafiles are synchronized to the same SCN. ARCHIVELOG mode enables inconsistent (online/hot) backups - where the database stays open and archived logs are used to make the backup consistent after the fact. However, the question specifically asks about a consistent backup, which by definition requires a clean shutdown regardless of the archiving mode. Option C describes an inconsistent online backup, not a consistent one.

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