How to Perform an expdp Full Database Export

Prerequisites

Before initiating a full database export using expdp, ensure the hr user has the DATAPUMP_EXP_FULL_DATABASE and DATAPUMP_IMP_FULL_DATABASE roles granted. Create necessary directory objects and grant READ and WRITE privileges on these objects as required.

Starting the Export

To start a full database export, use the expdp command with the FULL parameter. The syntax is expdp hr FULL=YES followed by additional parameters as needed. Avoid using the SYSDBA account unless instructed by Oracle support.

Specifying Parameters

Utilize the DIRECTORY parameter to define the dump file and log file location. Set the DUMPFILE parameter to name the export dump files. Use the PARALLEL parameter to determine the number of processes for the export job, which can improve performance.

Filtering Data and Metadata

Apply the QUERY and SAMPLE parameters to limit the amount of data exported. Use the EXCLUDE and INCLUDE parameters to filter out or include specific metadata during the export process.

Encryption and Security

For data security, use the ENCRYPTION parameter along with ENCRYPTION_PASSWORD and ENCRYPTION_ALGORITHM to encrypt the data before writing to the dump file set. The ENABLE_SECURE_ROLES parameter should be set to enhance security during exports.

Performing the Export

An example of a full database export command is expdp hr FULL=YES DUMPFILE=dpump_dir1:full1%U.dmp, dpump_dir2:full2%U.dmp FILESIZE=2G PARALLEL=3 LOGFILE=dpump_dir1:expfull.log JOB_NAME=expfull. This command will create dump files up to 2 GB each using 3 parallel processes and will log the output to a specified log file.

Post-Export Best Practices

After the export, check the log file for any errors or warnings. Avoid using the NOLOGFILE parameter as it can result in loss of valuable information. Consult with your DBA if any issues arise during the export process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I grant the necessary privileges for a user to perform a full database export with expdp?

To perform a full database export, the user must be granted the EXP_FULL_DATABASE privilege. For certain operations, such as using the TRANSPORTABLE=ALWAYS option, the DATAPUMP_EXP_FULL_DATABASE privilege is required.

Can I use the expdp utility to export data from a source database over a network link?

Yes, you can use the NETWORK_LINK parameter with the expdp command to export data from a source database using a database link. The database link must already exist and the user must have READ and WRITE privileges on the specified DIRECTORY object.

What should I do if the expdp full database export job is consuming too many resources?

If the expdp full database export job is using too many system resources, consider adjusting the PARALLEL parameter to reduce the number of processes used. Use caution and test in a non-production environment to find the optimal settings for your environment.

How can I filter what is included in my expdp full database export?

To filter the contents of a full database export, you can use the EXCLUDE and INCLUDE parameters to specify which database objects to export or omit. Note that these parameters are mutually exclusive.

What should I do if I encounter issues with the expdp full database export?

Review the Oracle Data Pump Export utility documentation and check for common issues that might be related to RAC, Standby databases, NLS, Multitenant architecture, or NFS/NAS configurations. If issues persist, consult Oracle support for assistance.

Common Use Cases

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  Performing a complete backup of a database for disaster recovery planning
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  Migrating an entire database to a new server or environment
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  Facilitating the process of upgrading a database by exporting all data before an upgrade
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  Archiving the entire database at a specific point in time for compliance and auditing
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  Extracting a full copy of the database for analysis and testing in a non-production environment

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