The transaction log is a separate file from the database file. It stores all changes to the database. Inserts, updates, deletes, commits, rollbacks, and database schema changes are all logged. The transaction log is also called the forward log or the redo log.

The transaction log is a key component of backup and recovery, and is also essential for data synchronization using MobiLink or for data replication using SQL Remote.

By default, all databases use transaction logs. Using a transaction log is optional, but you should always use a transaction log unless you have a specific reason not to. Running a database with a transaction log provides greater protection against failure, better performance, and the ability to replicate data.

It is recommended that you store the database files and the transaction log on separate disks on the computer. If the dbspace(s) and the transaction log are on the same disk, and a disk failure occurs, everything is lost. However, if the database and transaction log are stored on different disks, then most, if not all, the data can be recovered in the event of a disk failure because you have the full database or the transaction log (from which the database can be recovered). See Media failure.

The timestamp of a database or transaction log file is updated only when the file grows or when it is closed. If database operations cause the transaction log file to grow without the database file growing, the timestamp of the transaction log file is more recent than the timestamp of the database file. If the database is shut down, the transaction log file and the database timestamps are updated.

 When changes are forced to disk

 See also