Azure – What’s the difference between Azure Database Backup, Copy, and Export

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I tried searching online for an answer to the above question but all I see are the long documentations on performing these operations. What I'm looking for is a brief description of how do the following operations differ and when one is preferred (needed) over the other?

Best Answer

This question will be helpful.

Copy database allows you to do the following :

  • Pick a source and destination server.
  • Select databases to move, copy or upgrade.
  • Specify the file location for the databases.
  • Create logins on the destination server.
  • Copy additional supporting objects, jobs, user-defined stored procedures, and error messages.
  • Schedule when to move or copy the databases.

In my own word, I would say that copy database allows you to easily move a database from an instance of SQL server to another one.

Export database save the database to a file in the OS file system (like a backup). You then can copy those files and import them whenever and wherever you want.

In my opinion, backing up your SQL Server database is essential for protecting your data. For database, there are many method, you could copy your data, like copy your instance, export all your database.

For Azure SQL database, Azure provides more backup options. More information please refer to this link and this link.

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